Sgm (Ret.) Calvin “Dean” Griffith

SGM (Ret.) Calvin “Dean” Griffith, 82, went to be with his beloved wife, Ella and his Lord and Savior, on Friday, June 4, 2021, surrounded by his three children.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, June 11, 2021 at Cascade Hills Church, with Dr. Mike Stevens officiating. A committal service with full military honors will be held at Ft. Benning Main Post Cemetery following the service, according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.

Dean was born September 7, 1938 in Reedsville, PA to the late Richard and Edna Griffith. Other than his parents he is preceded in death by his eldest son, Randy Griffith; brother, Barry Griffith; and his beloved wife of 62 years, Ella Griffith.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and was loved by so many. Anyone who met him or knew him, felt the love. He was selfless and loved his family more than anything. He was called “Pappy” by many and it warmed his heart so. He spent 25 years in the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam, Thailand, many overseas assignments, to include various stateside assignments. He spent many years as a bus driver for CSU and Northside High School, transporting students to numerous school events and competitions, to include driving Army troops to special events. He loved being around troops. He loved to sing, golf, travel but most of all he loved his church family. He was an active member of Cascade Hills Church, serving in various positions, such as a driver, Pastor’s Prayer Partner, usher, and greeter. He knew everyone and everyone knew him. If he saw someone new come in, he was the first to welcome them in and give out his famous hugs!

Dean is survived by his sister, Dorene Bell of Reedsville, PA; three children, sons Raymond Griffith (Karla) of San Antonio, TX, Robert Griffith (Cathy) of Atlanta, GA, and daughter Renee Stephens-Vaughn (Steve) of Huntsville, AL; eight grandchildren, Lisa, Brittany, Aline, Sean, Scotty, Jeff, Justin and Kamryn; five great grandchildren Leonie, Amalie, Mara, Griffith, and Nora.

Flowers may be sent to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd, Columbus, GA 31907. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project or Cascade Hills Church, 727 54th Street, Columbus, GA 31904.