Gary Wayne Griffith

A celebration of Gary's life will take place Sunday, June 27 at 2:00 pm at Trinity Fellowship Church's North Ministry Center, with Pastor Jerry Billington officiating. Friends and family are encouraged to participate in a time of fellowship and refreshments following the service. Private burial will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Gary was born on January 5, 1946 in Muskogee, OK to Joel William Griffith, Sr. and Mary Virginia Patterson Griffith. He graduated from Tascosa High School in 1964. In 1969, he joined the Coast Guard and served his country as a Merchant Mariner until 1980, when he returned to Amarillo and started a paint contracting business. Gary married Alvina May Rotramel on November 29, 1988, and they were married until her death in 1991. A loving son, Gary took excellent care of his mother prior to her death. He was also a loyal, compassionate and generous friend to everyone he knew; however, that did not dampen his competitive and ornery spirit when playing dominoes, poker, hearts, or cribbage! Everyone who knew Gary also knew of the soft spot in his heart for pets. Gary's faith in Jesus as his Savior changed his life forever, and he was baptized at Trinity Fellowship Church in August 1980. He was an active member there for nearly thirty years. Upon retiring from his paint contracting business in 2008, Gary moved to the Philippines where he volunteered as a missionary at Dunamis International School of Missions. When at the school, Gary spent most of his time assisting in training seminars and helping with the workshop and practicum. He was also part-time photographer for the school. Gary spent most of his time ministering, both in the school and to people in his everyday life. He will be sorely missed, both in the Philippines and by his friends and family here in the states. Gary was preceded in death by his wife and his parents. Survivors include his brother, Bill Griffith of Seattle, WA; two nieces Deanne De Luna & Michelle Griffith both of Amarillo and a nephew, Adam Griffith of Seattle, WA; a special friend, Lena Keeth of Tulia, TX; and other relatives and friends. In Lieu of flowers, please contribute to Faith City Mission