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1957
2020
Ronald Keith Griffis, 62, of Cabot, Arkansas went home to be with Jesus January 2, 2020 after a long, hard fought, illness. Keith was blessed to be a kidney recipient in 2012 ansd was very grateful to all involved. The family would like to thank those who choose to participate in the organ donor program. He was born December 29,1957 in Camden, AR to his loving parents, Ronnie and Evelyn Griffis. He was the first born, and adored his two younger sisters, Rhonda and Becky. With his heart of gold, he excelled in his chosen career of nursing, and loved each and every patient he was honored to serve.
He was passionate in his love of horses - in his youth being a very accomplished rider. He was an avid breeder of collies - loved grooming, entering and showing them in numerous dog shows all over the country. His love of gardening was evident by just looking at his beautiful yard. He loved to cook for his family and friends and was famous for his purple hull peas and mashed potatoes. He could make a chocolate pie that was to die for, but you had to eat it with a spoon. He and his chosen family had countless building and landscaping projects that are far too numerous to list.
Most of all he enjoyed his close friendship with Joyce, Mary and Ed. There was never a dull moment as he lived life to the fullest enjoying all their escapades together - there was always plenty of work, play and food but most of all LAUGHTER.
Keith is survived by his parents, Ronnie and Evelyn Griffis of Stephens AR; two sisters, Rhonda (Tim) Mason of Little Rock, AR, Becky Griffis of Hot Springs, AR; one nephew Madison (Madison) Mason, and two nieces Meredith Mason and Kori Taylor. He also leaves his Special Chosen Family of Ed Simoneaux and Joyce Norrell, and many others too numerous to mention. Keith was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Ed and Faye Griffis and maternal grandparents Bob and LulaThomas. Mary Keough (one of the chosen) also preceded him in death.
Honorary pallbearers are the doctors and nurses who provided such excellent care of Keith. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CARTI (501) 296-3406 or Trenton's Legacy Arkansas [email protected].
Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 Saturday, January 4, 2019 at Proctor Funeral Home. Services will be at 2:00 followed by interment at Salem Cemetery near Stephens.
31 Entries
Kenneth Landers
May 20, 2020
I was classmates and friend with him in 4th and 5th grade, best I can remember is he was lotsa fun, hate to hear of his passing, prayers for all his family and friends, FLY HIGH KEITH
Marjorie Curtis
January 11, 2020
Evelyn, Ronnie and girls I did not know this until reading this obituary. I'm so sorry to hear about Keith. I always brag on your beautiful yard when we go by on our way to Magnolia. I love you all and praying for you!
Annette Todd-Page
January 7, 2020
So sorry to hear of Keith's passing. Since meeting you guys, I have always loved you all. Rhonda and I were best friends in school. Please accept my deepest condolences and may Keith rest in the arms of our Lord. Love you guys forever.
Cindy Taylor
January 5, 2020
Prayers for his family.
Bonnie Beth Anderson
January 5, 2020
I met Keith my senior year at SHS in art class. I was still new to Stephens and he was such a kind soul. It was a rough time for me with a new school and the recent death of my sister. Keith was such a great mixture of warmth and fun in class - just what I needed to make me feel included and help me get through each day. Im so glad that our paths crossed.
Shirley Smith
January 5, 2020
A little more than fourteen years ago, I was involved in the dog show world along with Keith and Ed. And LAUGH, we did, at a few of those shows. Their kindness and friendship was one of the closest and most meaningful Id ever had. I am so sorry for your loss and was very surprised to hear this sad news. Your family and all their friends are in my prayers. God will keep you in His loving arms through this difficult time.
January 4, 2020
I would like to tell Evelyn, Ronnie, and girls how very sorry Don and I are to hear of Keith's passing. I remember when you were expecting Keith and how much love Evelyn had for that baby. I know Keith was a wonderful son with the parents he had. you two have been good examples of a loving family and that is sometimes rare these days. You are in our prayers and my memories from all our years in Stephens. Sincerely, Don and Carolyn Staggs Howell, Newcastle, Wyoming.
Steve Hodnett
January 4, 2020
Mr. and Mrs. Griffis, Rhonda and Becky,
So very sorry for your loss. Keith was a wonderful friend and he loved each of you dearly. He was truly one of the most positive and courageous individuals I have ever met. My Dad always said, if you could count five true friends, you were very lucky. I was so lucky to have Keith as my friend for so many years. He will be greatly missed but I will never forget the memories we shared. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
With sympathy and love to you all.
Jana McMillin Foster
January 4, 2020
To Ronnie, Evelyn, Rhonda and Becky Im so sorry for your loss! Keith was a wonderful best friend to me in high school. I will always treasure the fun times we had growing up. You all are in my thoughts and prayers! Love to all of you!
Pat Clark Smith
January 3, 2020
To all of Keiths loved ones: I am so sorry for your loss. Keith touched many lifes including mine. I will never forget all the fun times we had riding horses and time together. Keith has been an inspiration to me with his determination, faith and at the same time his prayers and encouraging words. Love to all!
Lenna Jaye Wilson OFell
January 3, 2020
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I enjoyed all the great times we spent together and he introduced my sister Leanne to horseback riding.
Jeff Garner
January 3, 2020
Ronnie, Evelyn and Rhonda: So very sorry for you loss. Keith was an inspiration to so many people, and to all of us. He brightened the room with his positive energy and great smile! You all are in our prayers. God Bless.
Kay Rider
January 3, 2020
To the Griffis Family: I'm so sorry. Keith was a wonderful friend when we were teenagers. We had so much fun cruisin' Stephens in his mom’s car. He had a great sense of humor and a gentle spirit. I'll always remember him with those smiling brown eyes.
Marissa Williamson
January 3, 2020
I loved his smile and his sweet spirit. Im so sad about losing him but its easier knowing he has no pain now. Im sure hes smiling from above as he works in Gods garden. I love your family.
Debbie Moses Tribble
January 3, 2020
Keith touched our lives (Debbie, Donna & Bo Moses) in a very special way. Growing up, he & Donna would ride horses all day long. So many precious memories of him.
He was like a brother and we loved him dearly. Love to all of his precious family.
Amanda Carol Cantrell
January 3, 2020
Eleven years apart, I did not have the pleasure of Keiths friendship, but I always admired and loved Evelyn and Ronnie, and I remember a darling story from his childhood, told with enormous affection by my mother, Audrie Cantrell.
When Ronnie was five years old, and in the Beginner Sunday School class (Dearest Mrs. Nutt may have been the teacher?), the class performed the story of Christmas for their parents, complete with costumes and stage directions. Keith was either a shepherd or a wise man (memory a bit dim here). All characters waiting for their moment were behind a screen of some kind, ready to roll. When the Narrator read his cue, Keith stood up, and moving from behind the screen, looked back at his colleagues and directed, Come on! Lets go!! Which was, of course, essentially what the original actors had said out in that sheep-filled meadow, so long ago.
Keith being her first child, Evelyn was a little uncertain about the appropriateness of his improvised edit. But MY mother thought it was the dearest, most inspired, and darling thing she had ever seen. She never forgot that moment, and on her behalf, I tell it here.
Keith clearly made the world a better place, beginning very young. I join in sympathy for his passing and thanksgiving for his living, with all those who gather here.
Tammy Brantley
January 3, 2020
So very sorry for the loss of Keith. Prayers for you all.
Tara Almand
January 3, 2020
Ronnie, Evelyn, & Becky--so sorry. Prayers for ya'll.
Rodney Griffis
January 3, 2020
I'm so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you all .
Karen Johnson
January 3, 2020
God Bless the best man I've ever known. You inspired me everyday. You are truly one of a kind and God's child. I'm blessed to have you in my life and forever in my heart.
Jerry Linda Arrington
January 3, 2020
Ronnie, Evelyn, Rhonda, Becky Our hearts are saddened this hour . Keith fought a great battle of desiring to live Keith with his gentleness, kindness, heart of serving others made the world a better place . May peace, joy Comfort , strength be your companions this hour and the days , years ahead!!! You are Loved!!! The Thomas, Griffis Families touches my heart with joy, and now more Golden memories with Keith saying goodbye!!! Jerry Linda Arrington
Nancy Beene
January 3, 2020
Lots of fun memories of Keith and your family . Love you all !
Amanda Boney
January 3, 2020
I don't personally know keith but after reading such a well written and touching obituary I can tell he was a special soul. It sounds like I would've liked to have known him! My prayers go out to his loved ones he's left behind during their time of loss. May you find comfort in the Lord.
Ruth Thomas
January 3, 2020
Keith was a very special man, kind and good! He always had something nice to say about those he met! A great friend and even greater son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin...We will miss him!
Paul and Peggy Majors
January 2, 2020
Our prayers are with Kieths family.
Susan and Mike Willingham
January 2, 2020
Going to miss our dear neighbor. Keith was always full of laughters. Our prayers are with the family during this time. May you Rest In Peace, Keith.
Janet Grace
January 2, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for all.
Mike and Sheryl Hooks
January 2, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. thanks
The Staff of Proctor Funeral Home
January 2, 2020
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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