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Wendell Griffith Obituary
I have a hard time talking about me. It's either my natural humility or there are not enough words in English to do the job properly.
I am the husband, best friend, lover, and admirer of Sara Lynn Griffith. I am father and Dad of Edward (and his wife, Nancy), Brett
and Lucas. I am the grandfather of Nathan Gray and James Gunner. I am the brother of Larry Griffith and Edward Scofield. I am the son-in- law of Charlie and Sarah Crumpton; the nephew of Tommy and Linda Crumpton; and the brother-in-law of Chuck Crumpton and Charlie Cornett. I am the grandson of Zack and Helen Chappell Crumpton. I am the son of Wendell and Gracia Griffith.
I served, proudly, in the United States Marine Corps. I am still a Marine. I am brother-in-arms to Edward Lavelle and Michael Hinz.
Semper Fidelis.
I served, proudly, at Northwest Florida State College for 24 years. There, I had thousands of students and, not colleagues, but true and constant friends.
I fought, as long as my body would let me. I learned something from everyone I met and I had a damn good time.
There will be no funeral. I would rather my good friends gather in a bar and give me a good roasting. Leave laughing. In lieu of flowers,
please consider helping with a donation to Luke's college fund or our medical expense account. (Contact the Northwest State College Business Office.) Or, have a few beers in my memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wendell Griffith
Kathy Cook
June 27, 2012
Our hearts go out to you and your family. I was one Wendel's original students at OW, and then years later both my daughter and son had him as an instructor. They felt they had know him for years, because of all the stories I told of being in his class. We all loved him as an instructor and as a person. This world is definitely not the same without him. I will drink to him for years to come!
Sondra Tosh
June 26, 2012
Lynn, my condolences to you and your family. We have lost a treasure. Wendell brought light, color, and life to our Sunday School class. He opened my eyes to a new way of understanding the Bible. I will remember him always.
OWC collegiate highschool student
June 21, 2012
Mr. Griffith was a great teacher for the OWC collegiate highschool. He influenced many of us and is fondly remembered.
Sharon Garrett
June 20, 2012
Love and prayers,
Charlie and Sharon Garrett
Anita Griffith
June 19, 2012
Nice obituary!
Gene & Jackie Lord
June 19, 2012
Gracie,
I guess we sort of lose contact over time, but we don't forget each other. Jackie and I send our deepest condolences in your time of loss.
Gina
June 19, 2012
Mr. Griffith was my first college professor ever at OWCC back in the early '90s. He was an amazing teacher and made World Civ interesting and fun to learn. Ever since I have taken his class, 20+yrs ago, I have recommeded Mr Griffith as a professor to anyone who would listen! May God bless his family and friends! RIP, sir! You will deeply be missed!
Born to teach and give speeches. Can't imagine visiting Florida without visiting with you. Prayers for your wife and boys. God bless you all.
Leslie Dannelly
June 18, 2012
June 18, 2012
Semper Fi my brother. Ed Lavelle
Heather
June 17, 2012
Here's to one of the best World Civ teacher's ever. Of all the classes I have taken, Mr. Griffith's World Civ class was always my favorite. He shared his life with us and taught us many lessons that I will always remember. RIP Mr. Griffith.
sharon
June 16, 2012
i never knew this man but i read this and think that alot of people could of learned from him in just how he speaks....you are a true man even in your death wish more was more like you
Mary Smith
June 15, 2012
Mr. Griffith taught me the most important lesson in life. If you don't fight hard to succeed you never will. I am where I am because of his teachings, and I will continue to live up to his words till I stop breathing. Thank you Mr. Griffith for being not only a great teacher but also a great friend.
Rachel Mucklow
June 15, 2012
He will be sorely missed, He was the best history teacher I have ever met and I have met a lot of good ones. He had a way of turning the accepted on its head and really making you think about the things he was teaching. What I really loved about the man though was that he was a true patriot and a horse person. I can only hope that he is right now giving Abraham Lincoln a piece of his mind and exchanging stories with General Beauregard and Robert E. Lee.
Brittani Kneeland
June 15, 2012
Mr. Griffith was one of the most brutally honest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I will never forget the one and only "come to jesus" meeting I had with him. haha. It may have been 8 years ago that I had the pleasure of taking his American History course, but I still remember it like it was yesterday. What a great man! He truly is inspiring to so many people. I'm sure he's still keeping his fellow angels in line up in heaven :) "Come to Jesus" meetings have a whole new meaning!
Lucia Robinson
June 15, 2012
I am so sorry to hear (via Jill White's tribute on Facebook) of Wendell's passing. He was a remarkable teacher--my son was among his first students at OWCC--and a delightful colleague.
My condolences to his family and all those who loved him--and to the students who will not be able to enjoy his tutelage.
Tammy Cothran
June 15, 2012
I had the pleasure of Mr. Griffith's teachings for just a few days before he 'retired'. What an inspiration. He left out one fact in his obituary - he was a mentor. Not a mentor as a professor, but a mentor of, and about, life. He made me realize that you can and must find humor everyday no matter the situation. He most certainly did leave a lasting impression on me. I even found humor in his well written obituary.
Here's to you Mr. Griffith. May your spirit shine bright on your family, students, colleagues, and friends. May your legacy live on forever. Your teachings are now part of history and embedded in the minds of thousands.
Rest in peace Mr. Griffith. I wish I could have had a full semester with you but you made an impact on me for life in just a few short days.
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National Cremation & Burial Society5641 Highway 90 West, Milton, FL 32583
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