Wayne Edwin McGriff, 97, of Cleveland, Tn., died on Friday, September 9, 2011.
He was the son of the late Wesley Leroy McGriff and Minnie Mae Phelps McGriff; and was also preceded in death by his brothers, Mack McGriff and Walter McGriff; and his sisters, Fannie, Della Hickey and Vivian Graham.
Wayne worked for Santa Fe Railroad and Amtrak as a diesel mechanic for over 38 years. He and his wife, Arlene, moved to Cleveland to retire. However, it wasn’t long until he was working again. He was a security guard for the Church of God of Prophecy General Headquarters’ for eleven years. He and Arlene also served as foster parents for the Tomlinson Home for Children. He was a member of The Church of God on Tillie Road. Wayne was always a true gentleman with a wonderful smile and charming personality.
He is survived by his wife, Arlene Catherine McGriff of Cleveland; one daughter, Gloria Veota Roll of Cleveland; three sons, Wayne Evert McGriff and his wife Zola, Clinton Edwin McGriff and his wife Maurine all of Vidor, Tx. and Melvin Clifford McGriff and his wife Joyce of Cleveland; one sister, Ueral Miller of Conway, Ark.; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
A private memorial service will be conducted on Monday, September 12 at Jim Rush Funeral Homes, North Ocoee Chapel, who has charge of the arrangements. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens.