Comments:
Robert Marion Griffith was born the third of six children on
October 27, 1919 to K.C. and Mattie Kate Griffith on the
comer of Howard & Illinois in Palestine, Texas, Anderson
County. He was welcomed into Glory on December 15,2013
at Rice Medical Center in Eagle Lake, Texas.
Robert graduated from Palestine Public Schools in 1936 and
enjoyed his PHS class reunions until their last in 2000. Prior to
serving in the United States Army Air Corps during WWII,
Robert worked for Guthrie Drug Store, Ellenberger's Bakery,
Missouri Pacific Railroad, and Woolworth Dept. Store where
he met his bride of 73 years, Cora Maxine Turner of Slocum,
Texas. Robert established a reputation early for dependable,
faithful service, accompanying Mr. Lively, the manager of
Woolworth's, Palestine, throughout East Texas whenever he
opened a new store, engineering the warehouse/inventory end
of the business. The jukebox company Ray Bames.
Robert and Maxine began their family on Park Ave. in
Palestine in 1946 with the birth of their daughter, Robbin Lee,
adding Robert Jr. in 1951. Hunt Oil Company transferred the
family to Eagle Lake, Texas in 1953, where they made their
home for the next 60 years. For over 35 years Mr. Griffith was
known locally as 'the insurance man', purchasing Strickland
Insurance in 1958 and acquiring Eagle Lake Insurance in 1970.
To his family he was Daddy G, and to his beloved Max, simply
'G'. Robert was also known to playa "mean hand of bridge"!
He established his reputation as a public servant forming
church softball leagues, coaching little league baseball,
refereeing area football games until he became the voice of
Eagle Lake Athletics from 1964 to 1980. He and Maxine were
season ticket holders for Eagle Lake Football for 45 years.
Robert served as chaplain of the Salvation Army for over 40
years, held numerous offices, including president of Rotary
International, Eagle Lake, as well as the Chamber of
Commerce.
Robert was a faithful servant of his Lord Jesus, ordained
deacon at the First Baptist Church of Palestine, Texas under the
Reverend Dr. D.D. Summerall. Evangelist Angel Martinez
preached his ordination service. Upon moving to Eagle Lake,
he was recommissioned EL FBC deacon, his service helping to
guide the ministries there. until he was named Deacon
Emeritus, October 27, 2013, his 94th birthday. In this
congregation of believers, he was renowned Sunday School
Superintendent and coffee-maker, dishwasher, general servant
of those in need.
