Joe E. Griffith

Colonel Joe Ed Griffith peacefully transitioned on September 11, 2024, in Concord, CA. Joe was born the youngest child of Richard and Roberta (Tate) Griffith, in Arkadelphia, AR, on December 17, 1942, just after his fraternal twin brother, Will E. Griffith. Joe was the quiet joy of his brothers and sisters. Colonel Griffith was a proud and decorated military man who rose through the ranks to serve his country with honor in the United States Army despite the challenges of racial discrimination of the day. Mr Griffith, as his students would call him during his teaching tour, dedicated seven years of distinguished service to our country including commanding an infantry unit in Vietnam. When Joe’s active-duty service commenced on July 26, 1963, he returned home to a country that was unwelcoming of people of his skin color but he did not allow that to deter him in life. After completing his last tour in Vietnam, this new father returned to the California Bay Area where he served as a unit commander at the Oakland Army Base. Later, he joined the United States Army Reserves (USAR) while embarking on a successful civilian career and raising a family.

Joe worked for Xerox Corporation where his strong work ethic, people skills, and tenacity led him to earn numerous awards, recognitions, and accolades at both Xerox and in the USAR. Joe went on to serve on several security company boards of directors. During this time, Joe was featured in Ebony magazine and other local Bay Area periodicals. Ebony Magazine recognized him as one of the 1970s chosen Bachelors of the Year.

After a successful career in both civilian and military life, where he achieved the rank of Full Colonel, Joe followed his entrepreneurial spirit and founded a thriving driving school in the Bay Area. After a combination of unfortunate circumstances and challenges - including health issues, costly, not-at-fault student accidents, and family priorities - Joe decided to close the business. At the time of his passing, Joe was a beloved and respected Supervisor at Allied Universal Company, where he was known for his dedication, tenacity, professionalism, and commitment to meeting client needs.

While Joe’s professional achievements were many, family was at the heart of Joe’s life and his true pride came from being a Griffith father. His greatest joy was his five children, Nichelle, Tracey, Courtney, Joseph, and Cheri. Joe cherished time with his family. He enjoyed traveling via military hops, and he had a fondness for discovering bargains, visiting flea markets, model train displays, thrifting for collectables, and vintage cars. Joe’s other hobby included photography. He would generally be found behind the lens, capturing cherished memories at family gatherings. Rarely was there a moment when he didn't have a camera in hand, preserving the special moments that will now be remembered forever.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Roberta Griffith and siblings, Herman Lee Griffith, Vernel Griffith, Bennie Lee Griffen, Richard Lee Griffith, Fred Douglas Griffith, Huie Lee Griffith,Evelyn Marie Griffith-Moore, Lula Mae Griffith-Harris, and Lacy John Griffith. Those left to cherish his legacy include his children, Nichelle Griffith of Lincoln, NE; Tracey Griffith of Omaha, NE; Courtney Griffith of Woodbridge, VA; Joseph Griffith of Brentwood, CA and Cheri Clemons of Austin, TX, his twin brother, Will (Venita) Griffith of Providence Forge, VA, grandchildren Michael Anthony “Trig” Welch II of Omaha, NE and Myles Griffith-Smith of Woodbridge, VA, his brother-in-love Benjamin Harris of Inglewood, CA; sisters-in-love, Joy Griffith of Wake Forest, NC and Ann Griffith of Joliet, IL, a host of nieces, nephews, bonus grandchildren, and other cherished family, friends and colleagues.

Joe’s infectious smile, charm, and charisma was apparent in the spaces he entered and he left an enduring mark on all who shared said spaces. Through the love and warmth he shared with family, along with his legacy of service and kindness, he will continue to inspire future generations and he will not soon be forgotten.

Acknowledgements

The children and family of Colonel Joe E Griffith wish to express their deepest gratitude to all those who provided a thoughtful expression of sympathy whether it was a kind word, a lovely card, a beautiful flower bouquet, a financial gift, a warm meal, or a prayer. Special appreciation to the dear friends of Col. Griffith who were especially helpful to him during his final months of life: Shonn Thompson, Mary Lee Allen, Mike Awadalla, and Pat Ross.

A celebration of Joe’s life and homegoing service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Arkadelphia.