Devotie Elree Griffin Jr.

D. Elree Griffin, Jr., age 85, of Rowlett, Texas, passed away on June 25, 2025 after a long and hard fight with Dementia.

Elree was born on January 7, 1940, in Waco, Texas, to Devotie and Viola Griffin. He graduated from Lorena High School in 1959 and went on to complete two years of college, including mortuary school, laying the foundation for a career that spanned nearly six decades in the funeral business.

He proudly served in the United States Navy for four years as a Hospital Corpsman (E3), and was honorably discharged in Jacksonville, Florida. On February 23, 1962, he married the love of his life, Martha Len, in Waco, Texas. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and service.

From 1965 to 2022, Elree dedicated his career to several respected companies between Texas and Georgia, including USV Pharmaceutical, Intermedics IntraOcular Lenses, Precision Cosmet, Restland Funeral Home, Wilbert Burial Vaults Co., and Miller & Sons Funeral Car Sales. As a licensed funeral director and embalmer for over 60 years, he touched countless lives with his compassion, professionalism, and care. He was also a proud and longtime member of the Texas Funeral Directors Association (TFDA).

Elree and Martha Len have been attending the First Baptist Church of Garland for 19 years, where Elree faithfully served as a deacon and usher. He was also an active member of the Barnabas Sunday School Class and the Intercessory Prayer Ministry, always finding ways to support and uplift others in his community.

Elree had a deep love for Corvettes and was a fixture at car shows, proudly collecting and displaying more trophies than his family could count. But his greatest joy came from time spent with his great-grandchildren. Laughing, playing, and making core memories that will be cherished forever.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Martha Len Griffin; his son, Tracy Griffin and his wife Tami; his daughter, Len Sanford and her husband Raleigh; grandchildren Steven Griffin and his wife Julianna, Tiffany Griffin, Tracy King and her husband Bryan, and Brittany Pigott and her husband Matthew; and 11 beloved great-grandchildren: Lyric, Masyn, Micah, Memphis, Gavin, Aurora, Izabella, Eli, Jacillia, Aria, and Z’anna. He is also survived by his brother, Ernie Griffin and his wife Kay. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Devotie and Viola Griffin.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Charles W. Smith & Sons Funeral Home in Sachse.

A celebration of Elree’s life will take place on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM at First Baptist Church of Garland.

In lieu of flowers or arrangements, please consider donating to First Baptist Garland’s Legacy Fund.