Raymond Carl Griffith, 74, passed away peacefully at home in Owasso, Oklahoma, Saturday, May 21, 2016, surrounded by love and family. Carl was born July 23, 1941, in Checotah, Oklahoma, the only child of Theda Gail Newberry Griffith and R.B. Griffith. He graduated from Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1958, and went on to receive his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Tulsa in 1963. He married Suella Ann Todd on May 31, 1963, in Tulsa. During their 23 years of marriage, they were blessed with three children. He married Carolyn Joye Reynolds in 1986 in Bridge City, Texas, adding two step-children to his family. Carl and Carolyn remained married until her death in 2014.
Carl had a long and successful career as a chemical engineer, designing heat exchangers in Oklahoma and Texas. He enjoyed shooting pool, bowling, electronic technology and all aspects of firearms, including competitive shooting. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Sabine Aerie #2523 and the National Rifle Association. He was known for his sharp intellect, his quick wit, the gusto with which he pursued his interests and the larger-than-life role that he played in the lives of all who knew and loved him.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents, R.B. Griffith and Theda Gail Newberry Ice; his step-father, James Ice, and his wife, Carolyn Reynolds Griffith. Loving family members include his children; Dr. Stephanie Meissen (Dr. James Meissen) of Owasso, OK; Rev. Christopher Griffith (Jennifer Broomhall Griffith) of Covington, OK, and Amanda Holland (Kevin Holland), of San Jose, CA. His step-children are James Dartez, Jr. (Pamela Derby Dartez) and Darolyn Elizabeth Dann (Michael Dann). Carl’s grandchildren are John Wright, Richard Wright, II, Matthew Wright, Victoria Wright, Harley Neal, Cole Leslie, Tyler Chocker, David Chocker, Ian Holland, Kenneth Holland and Nicole Holland. His step-grandchildren are Katelyn Dartez, Madelyn Dartez, Lucien Dann, and Valora Dann. Carl has one great-grandson, Parker Wright and another great-grandchild expected in November. He is also survived by his first wife, Suella Todd Barnett.
Graveside service will be held 1:00 Tuesday, May 24, 2016, at Greenlawn Cemetery in Checotah, Oklahoma, under the direction of Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso, Oklahoma.
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