Vernon Wallace Griffis

Mr. Vernon Wallace Griffis, 86, of Raiford, FL passed away peacefully on February 24, 2021 at his home surrounded by family. Vernon was born at the old Griffis home place in Raiford on May 10, 1934 to Ernest and Minnie Sota (Deese) Griffis. He attended the Pine Grove School then the Raiford School before eventually graduating from Lake Butler High School. Vernon has always loved his country and after graduating, he enlisted in the United States National Guard where he served for 6 years. After his service, Vernon began working as a carpenter. He would retire from the Carpenter’s Union Local 702 out of Jacksonville, FL in 1996. He was a lifelong resident of Raiford and enjoyed farming, raising cattle, and playing music. Vernon was always helping others and generous with what he had from sharing a butchered beef to lending a hand with a construction project. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #82 in Raiford and a lifetime member of the Pine Grove Congregational Methodist Church. Vernon is preceded in death his parents, and his siblings; Jennings Griffis, Jean Norman, Arthur “Richard” Griffis, Zenas Griffis, Maines Griffis, Virgil Griffis, and Inez Quiett.

Vernon is survived by his wife of 27 years, Evelyn Griffis of Raiford; his daughters, Renae (Jim) Freeman of Raiford, Rita (Ace) Acevedo of Raiford, Rose (Richard) Odom of Lake City, and Regina (John) Rizer of Lawtey; 7 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren (and 1 on the way); 4 great-great grandchildren; his sister, Christine Cameron of Raiford; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral service to honor Vernon’s life will be held on Monday, March 1, at 11:00 am at his church, Pine Grove Congregational Methodist Church. The family will receive friends for a visitation on Sunday, February 28, from 3:00 - 5:00 pm at the church. His interment will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery where military honors will be rendered. His services will be officiated by Bro. Michael Norman. Pallbearers will be Jeremy Griffis, Jared Freeman, Steven Griffis, Wyman Griffis, Denny Griffis, Scott Quiett, Jerry Quiett, and Norman Trailor.

Arrangements are under the care and direction or Archer Funeral Home, Lake Butler, FL. 386-496-2008. www.archerfuneralhome.com