Gordon Fentress Griffith

Gordon Fentress Griffith, 79, of Forrest City, Ark., a man of God, devoted husband, and loving father, returned to the Almighty on March 6, 2016. His faith guided his spiritual, civic, and family life. He was born September 19, 1936 to Elizabeth McClain and Graham Griffith and raised in Hughes, Ark. He attended Forrest City High School where he met his loving wife of 60 years, Betty Jo Merrell. He was a lifelong member of Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church where he served as elder, deacon, and for 65 years as faithful anchor of the choir's bass section. He was a community and business leader who owned multiple businesses including Griffith Lumber Company. He was elected to the Forrest City School Board during turbulent integration years and later as its president. He was a member of Lions Club International and an avid Razorback fan. He leaves behind four children, Janet of Crystal River, Fla., Jennie Pierce (husband, Dana) of Jacksonville, Gordon Jr. (wife, Michelle) of Greenwood and Nicholas (wife, Alison) of Washington, DC; six grandchildren; two sisters, Betty McCallen of Germantown, Tenn and Patsy Wagner of Lebanon, Maine; and sister-in-law, Mimi of Germantown, Tenn. He was preceded in death by his love, Betty Jo, his firstborn, Julie Ann, and brother, Graham Jr. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church, 402 Dillard St., Forrest City, Ark. 72335. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. Mr. Griffith's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.