Richard Eugene Griffiths

Richard Eugene Griffiths, 89, entered heaven on January 30, 2024, after a brief illness.   He was a resident of St. Joseph, Louisiana, after having lived all over the United States and in several countries during his service in the United States Army.  “Griff” was born on March 18, 1934, in Galatia, Illinois.  He was a star athlete at Harrisburg High School, worked in a coal mine, played football at the University of Illinois, and was invited to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team before joining the Army in 1957.  He served 24 years, including a tour in Vietnam, before retiring as a Colonel.

Griff ran a tight ship.  He was the quintessential fisherman.  He also enjoyed coaching his children’s sports teams, horse racing, and camping.   He loved and was loved by his family, who all profoundly miss him.  They are sustained by their wonderful memories of him and thoughts of lively conversations now taking place with his reunion with family and old friends who passed before him.

He was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his 4 children, Judith; his parents, Alma and Richard Griffiths; and grandson Chase.  He is survived by his second wife Cynthia, a son Rick, daughters Liz (Scotty), Kris (Mark), and Lisa (Chris), 8 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family is having a private service at his favorite place, Toledo Bend Lake, where he lived for many years.  In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests donations to the American Cancer Society.