Carl Griffith Sr.

      If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be John Carl Griffith Sr. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Carl was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

      Carl was born on August 28, 1922 at home in Farmers, Kentucky. He was the son of John S. and Bessie M. Ison Griffith. Carl was raised in Indiana. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. He married Helen Swoveland in 1942 and had 2 children, John and Carol. Helen passed away in 1988.

      Though Carl was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Carl was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Carl worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Carl was raised with one sister and four brothers - Jim, Ralph, Bob, Dick, and Doris. Carl and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Carl was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Carl was always tactful. One thing Carl will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Carl had a number of interests and was an active child. Carl took part in basketball and was a Boy Scout.

      For Carl, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Carl was also adept at details. Carl was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He graduated from Central High in Muncie Indiana in 1941. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was English.

      There was one thing that all of Carl's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Carl was such a popular person throughout his life. But Carl was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Carl was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Carl was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Carl was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Carl was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Carl made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of his best friends were Ralph Griffith and Bill Dohl. Later in life, he became friends with Bill Wilner, John Riner, Stan Vaughn.

      Carl was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call him sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around him. Carl cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriages. On August 18, 1991 Carl married Mary Lou Reed Ketridge at a judges office in St Petersburg, FL. Compassionate and devoted, Carl worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

      Harmony was important to Carl and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Carl was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Carl was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Carl would listen before he would act.

      Taking his work seriously came naturally to Carl, and he expected the same from those around him. Carl was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Carl was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Carl handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was in sales and marketing. He was employed for over 20 years in the family flooring business. Later her was Vice President of franchising for Sir Pizza International. Prior to his retirement in 1983 Carl spent 18 years in Sales and Marketing for Georgia Pacific, Potlatch Crop, and Olympic Packaging. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

      Blessed with a practical nature, Carl was a person who appreciated the routine of the military. He was a man who took his obligations seriously, working well with the others in his unit. Carl was an Army veteran. He served under the command of General George S Patton's Third Army in Germany. Carl saw action during World War II. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant.

      A methodical man, Carl enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were cards, fishing and dancing.

      Carl was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Carl was always enthusiastic and a great team player. In high school, Carl played basketball. Recreational sports included cards, golf, and boating. Carl also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were golf, football, and major league baseball.

     His keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Carl to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because he was outgoing and worked well with others, Carl did his fair share of volunteer work. And he wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. He was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. Throughout his later years, Carl was an active member of the Cape Coral Rotary Club and the Palmetto Pine Country Club.

      Carl was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. He was appreciated and respected. He could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about his own values and beliefs. So it’s little wonder that he was active and highly valued by those in his community, serving on committees for the adopt-a-road program.

     His high moral standards and traditional values served Carl well with his faith. Religion and faith were important to him. He was a member of Faith Presbyterian Church for over 35 years. During that time, he served on multiple committees and and as an elder. He was well respected because he was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner he could.

      Carl was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Carl was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss John Carl Griffith Sr.

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J. Carl Griffith, 93, passed away Saturday, March 26, 2016 at Hope Hospice in Fort Myers, FL. Carl was born August 28, 1922 in Farmers, KY to John S. and Bessie M. Ison Griffith. He married Helen Swoveland in 1942 and had 2 children, John and Carol. Helen died in 1988. Carl married Mary Lou Ketridge in August 1991.

Carl served in the Army during WWII and was a Staff Sergeant under the command of General George Patton's Third Army in Germany. He and his family were in business in Muncie, IN for over 20 years where they had a retail floor covering store and commercial division that installed flooring, carpet and ceramic tile in five states. He later was Vice President of franchising for Sir Pizza International operating in 12 states and Canada. The next 18 years was spent in Sales and Marketing for Georgia Pacific, Potlatch Crop and Olympic Packaging until retirement in 1983 to Cape Coral, FL. Carl was a member of Faith Presbyterian Church and Palmetto-Pine Country Club.

Carl is survived by his wife, Mary Lou; children John (Cindy) Griffith of Fort Wayne, IN and Carol Freeman of Warsaw, IN; sister-in-law Janice Griffith of Farmland, IN; brother James Griffith of Muncie, IN; 5 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends.

A visitation with the family will begin at 10am with a service honoring Carl at 11am at Faith Presbyterian Church, 4544 Coronado Pkwy., Cape Coral on Wednesday, March 30th. Services in Indiana will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Faith Presbyterian Church or Hope Hospice.