Kenneth Gerald Griffis, USAF
March 17, 1939 – January 31, 2017

Kenneth Gerald Griffis (1939 – 2017)

March 17, 1939- Jan. 31, 2017 Kenneth Gerald Griffis, age 77, went to be with our Lord on Tuesday, January 31, 2017.

Ken graduated from Coffee High School in Florence, AL, where he was a member of the band and tennis team. In 1962, he graduated from The University of Alabama where he was a member of ROTC and received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Following graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force as a jet and helicopter pilot. He served multiple tours of duty throughout Southeast Asia, during which he was a rescue helicopter pilot in the 38th Aerospace and Recovery Squadron in Vietnam.

Ken was awarded the Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air force Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, and Presidential Unit Citation.

Ken worked as a project manager with Rust Engineering for over 25 years and was an active member of Briarwood Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by his daughters, Amanda Thomas (Gary) of Hoover and Anita Echols (David) of Vestavia Hills; brothers William C. Griffis (Dean), Table Rock Lake, MO, James L. Griffis (Billie) Huntsville, AL; sisters Margaret Campbell (Thomas), Birmingham, AL, Regina Gore (Danny), Quincy, FL; grandchildren Hannah Echols, Madison Thomas, Chase Thomas, and Haley Thomas; nieces Brandy Corbett, Leslie Mitchell, Stacia Corbett, Linda Babcock, Cindy Jones, Rhonda Copeland, Freda Griffis; nephews Johnny Campbell, Jeff Campbell, Paul Campbell, and Kenny Griffis. He is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Sally M. Griffis, his parents Robert Chester and Freda Vaudine Griffis, Brother Robert C. Griffis, Jr., and nephew Dewayne Griffis.

The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon, February 4, 2017 from 2-3 pm at Southern Heritage Funeral Home followed by a chapel service at 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in Ken’s memory to Briarwood Presbyterian Church, 2200 Briarwood Way, Birmingham, AL 35243

~ GUEST BOOK ~

February 03, 2017
My thoughts and prayers to all of Ken’s family at this time. Such a fine, kind, good man. Enjoyed him most on the tennis court…Rest in Peace.
~
John McBride, Hoover, Alabama

February 03, 2017
Ken was a great guy. I enjoyed working with him for many years at Rust!
~
Sibyl Patterson, Oneonta, Alabama

February 03, 2017
He was a fantastic Dad and Granddad. He loved his Saviour, America and his family. Truly will be missed.

February 02, 2017
Ken was such a fine and caring gentleman. He will be greatly missed. With much sympathy, Mike and Mary Jo O’Dell

February 02, 2017
Our love and prayers are with you all. Love,
Jim and Terry Millican
~
Jim and Terry Millican, Pelham

Find-A-Grave listing.
Birth: Mar. 17, 1939, Alabama, USA
Death: Jan. 31, 2017, Alabama, USA
Ken graduated from Coffee High School in Florence, AL, where he was a member of the band and tennis team. In 1962, he graduated from The University of Alabama where he was a member of ROTC and received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Following graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force as a jet and helicopter pilot. He served multiple tours of duty throughout Southeast Asia, during which he was a rescue helicopter pilot in the 38th Aerospace and Recovery Squadron in Vietnam.

Ken was awarded the Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air force Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, and Presidential Unit Citation.

Ken worked as a project manager with Rust Engineering for over 25 years and was an active member of Briarwood Presbyterian Church.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Sally M. Griffis, his parents Robert Chester and Freda Vaudine Griffis, Brother Robert C. (82803527) Griffis, Jr., and nephew Dewayne Griffis.

Burial: Saturday afternoon, February 4, 2017

Family links:
Parents:
Robert C. Griffis (1906 – 1985)

Spouse: Sally M. Griffis (1941 – 2011)

Sibling:
Robert Chester Griffis (1929 – 2006)*
Kenneth Gerald Griffis (1939 – 2017)
*Calculated relationship
Burial: Southern Heritage Cemetery
Pelham, Shelby County, Alabama, USA
Created by: David K Smith
Record added: Feb 02, 2017
Find A Grave Memorial# 175951996
https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=175951996