William Elery Griffis

William Elery Griffis, age 85, of Lake Butler, FL, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 27, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born to his parents Sidney and Nettie Rosier Griffis on January 8, 1940, in Raiford, FL. After the passing of his mother at an early age, he was then raised by his stepmother Cordie Mosley Griffis. Elery was a 1957 graduate of Union County High School where he enjoyed playing football. After graduating from UCHS, Elery attended West Palm Beach Jr. College in West Palm Beach, FL. After returning to Union County, he married his high school sweetheart, Katheryne Arnold Griffis in 1960. He began his career at DuPont before he went on to work 41 years for Florida Gas Transmission Company in Brooker, FL, where he made many memories and lifelong friendships.

Elery was a faithful member of First Christian Church of Lake Butler, FL where he served as an Elder, Deacon and a faithful member of the choir for many years. His faith was evident in how he led his family. Elery’s family were his love and joy. He was a very kind and gentle soul, had a loving and generous heart, and was always giving to others. On any given day you could find him on his tractor plowing the fields, tending to his garden or working his cattle. He was a member of the Florida Farm Bureau and enjoyed serving on the Board of Directors for many years.

Elery is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Annie Overstreet Depew, Ona Mae Yarborough, Raleigh Griffis, Lorenza Griffis, Lois Griffis, Maude Dobson, Berla Traylor, Della Dinkla and Vivian Brekenridge along with a host of loving nieces, nephews and many, many more family and friends.

Elery is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Katheryne Arnold Griffis, and three children, Anita (Terry Joe) Thomas, Carolyn (Allen) Parrish and Darrell (Elizabeth) Griffis, all of Lake Butler; 10 grandchildren, Anisha (Paul) Waters, Josh (Becky) Thomas, Branden (Chelsea) Parrish, Brittney (Travis) McGee, Austin (Katie) Thomas, Kyle (Taylor) Parrish, Seth (Brittany) Parrish, Lane Griffis, Luke Griffis and Lyndee Griffis; 12 great grandchildren Baler Waters, Saige Waters, Gracelyn McGee, Brayden Parrish, Beclyn Parrish, Kylee Thomas, Ryleigh Croft, Hagen Thomas, Hudson Thomas, Noah Thomas, Ember Parrish, Hardee Parrish and Creek Waters.

A visitation will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025, from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. The funeral service take place at First Christian Church, Lake Butler on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 11:00am. Elery will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Swift Creek/Mt. Zion Cemetery. Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to serve the Griffis family during this time. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com