Charles Elmer Griffith

Charles Elmer Griffith
 

Charlie Griffith, a long-time Sierra Vista resident passed away at the age of 85. He just celebrated his birthday with all his kids and most of his grandkids and family.

Charlie was born in Newark, New Jersey, to Charles Sr. and Doris Griffith. He was the oldest of three children. Charlie's family moved to Phoenix when he was a teen, and later moved to Tucson where he graduated from Tucson High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the Air National Guard.

Charlie met the love of his life, Ronnie, at a church function after being handpicked by Ronnie's sister, Maureen. In 1962, they married in Tucson and moved to Sierra Vista in 1966 where they owned Charlie's Carpet Sales and Service until retiring in 1997.

Charlie was a railfan enthusiast and he shared his love for trains with his family and friends. Family vacations always involved something with trains, whether it was riding or chasing trains, enjoying a train museum, or going off-road to some secluded train-related location. Over the years, Charlie’s collection of trains grew. Charlie and Ronnie’s Christmas tree was adorned with all the unique train ornaments they had collected through their life and travels.

If Charlie wasn't working or playing with his trains, you would find him tinkering around in his workshops. He could fix anything.

Charlie is survived by his children, Theresa (Johnny) Barber of Warner Robbins, GA; Charles Griffith of Sierra Vista, AZ; Margaret (Eugene) Mains of Safford, AZ; and Richard Griffith of Bozeman, MT; his grandchildren Katelyn and Charles "Shea" Griffith, Amanda (Taylor) Gronna, Serena Mains (Cade), and Paige and Sara Griffith. He is also survived by his sisters Natalie Daggett and Doreen (Ken) Diggins and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Griffith, Sr.; mother, Doris Griffith; and loving wife, Veronica Griffith.

Services will be on Saturday, November 4 at 9:00 a.m. at Calvary Chapel.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy consider donating to the Parkinson's Foundation in Charlie's name:  https://www.parkinson.org.

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