George Kenneth Griffin

George was born January 29, 1926 in Dallas, Texas to his parents George and Evelyn Griffin. He was raised on the family farm during the great depression along with his older sister Melba and younger sister and brother, Juanita and Charles. The family migrated from Dallas to Los Angeles in 1939.

George was a WWII veteran who fought in Europe and participated in the allied landing on Utah beach, as well as the battle of the bulge. George was proud of his service and recently was so pleased to have been able to travel to Washington, DC to see the WWII memorial as part of the Honor Flight program.

George married the love of his life Mary Lee in August of 1949, who he met while they both worked at Cody cosmetics. Married 50 years, they had a special devotion to each other as they raised their family. As a family, they enjoyed camping and would get together during summer with extended family to set up a camping compound near the entrance to the Sequoia National Park. George was also extremely handy, whether it was installing gutters on the house, adding additional electrical plugs, or building a dog house, George was always ready with his set of tools to lend a hand.

George spent 30 years of his work life with American Airlines. Starting in Los Angeles and transferring to San Diego, George was proud of his airline and worked tirelessly to provide the best possible customer service. He enjoyed participating in the American Airlines retirees group – Vanguards, with his wife Mary and later with his close friend Bonnie. Many of his Vanguard friends became family friends and are still in the family’s thoughts.

George was an exceptional story teller, from anecdotes about his military service, to the many stories around his life at American Airlines, and including personal stories such as his son cracking one of his ribs during some backyard horseplay, all were vivid and a joy to hear no matter how many time you heard them.

George was a family man, and to close neighbors and extended family, he was often thought of as an honorary dad or grandpa. His thoughtfulness, generosity, and humor, made those around him light up.

George is survived by his two sons. David and his wife Teresa of Spring Valley, CA and Dale and his wife Ana of San Diego, CA; three grandchildren, Ryan, Sergio and Zachary; and two great-grandchildren, Eli and Piper. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary Lee Griffin in 1999.