Willis Edward Griffin, 88, of Ben Hill County, Georgia, died Sunday, July 19, 2020, at Tift Regional Medical Center in Tifton, Georgia.
Graveside services will be held 10 AM, Wednesday, July 22, 2020, at Salem Cemetery in Ben Hill County, with the Rev. Tommy Land, Jr. officiating. The family will greet friends beginning at 9 AM at the cemetery. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all are encouraged to maintain social distancing and bring/wear a mask.
Mr. Griffin was born April 7, 1932, on a farm in Irwin County, Georgia to the late John Spence & MayBell Griffin. In January 1956, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Following boot camp in Texas, he was transferred to Wichita, Kansas, for advanced training in hydraulics on a B-47 Bomber. He was assigned to a specific B-47; therefore, wherever that particular plane went he also went. Thus, he traveled extensively to such places as North Africa, Saudi Arabia, the Azore Islands, Morocco and numerous other locations. His experiences in the Air Force triggered his interest in science and the universe.
Almost mostly self-taught, he was determined to learn everything he possibly could. He was once told that his brain resembled a sponge, because once he read something, he remembered it. After his honorable service in the Air Force, he worked for H. R. Kaminsky for a short period of time. In 1958, he went to work for Mr. Hudson White, owner of White’s Radio & TV. This gave him the opportunity to learn about televisions, radios, and other electronics. In 1985, along with his nephew Bill Griffin, they bought the business and continued to operate until June 2001. After closing the shop, he continued working on televisions in the basement of his home for several years.
He was an active member the majority of his life in Salem Baptist Church. He served as a deacon, Chairman of the Deacons, Trustee, and taught church classes for over 50 years. At 88 years old, he continued to serve as church Treasurer. He studied his Bible religiously and was determined to learn everything the Lord would reveal to him. It was his life’s goal to learn and be able to teach others.
In addition to his other ventures, one of the things he was most proud of and took great honor in was serving as a Director in the Irwin EMC Board. He served for 21 years (1990-2011). In addition to the EMC Board, for a while he served on the Oglethorpe Power Board. From 2011 until his death, he was considered an Emeritus Board Member for Irwin EMC.
He was fascinated with the Hubble Telescope, and he had the honor of being good friends and staying in contact with Carl Hickey, one of the men that was instrumental in the telescope’s development. This furthered his interest in space and science.
He is survived by his children: Beth & Gary Fowler of Rebecca and John Ed Griffin & Suzanne Taylor of Fitzgerald; grandchildren: Kaylyn Venteicher & Adam of Pierce, Nebraska and John Wesley Griffin & Lindsey of Jacksonville, Florida; great-grandchildren: Adley, Kip, & Baby Venteicher of Pierce, Nebraska and Liam Griffin of Jacksonville, Florida and a sister, Louise Fowler of Fitzgerald. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as great and great-great relatives also survive. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Peggy Gibbs Griffin who died in 2012; two sisters: Eunice Kitchens and Beulah Foster; and five brothers: Herman, Robert, Floyd, Henry, and Alvin.