Edgar Clay “Red” Griffin passed away on Wednesday, the 6th of January 2021, in Galveston, Texas. He was 86 years of age. He was born on the 10th of July 1934, in Daisetta, Texas, to Oscar and Myrtle Griffin in his grandmother’s home.
He is survived by his loving wife, Gay, of 35 years. He is also survived by his daughter Ginger Griffin and son Edgar Clay Griffin II; grandchildren Meagan Pawlak (Cameron), Kenneth E. New Jr., Judith Karly New, Edgar Clay Griffin III, Lillian Griffin; 5 great grandchildren; his niece, Marla Helm, and her children Carsan, Keaton, and Stephen Helm.
In high school, Red excelled in sports lettering in football, basketball and baseball. He was given a 2-year full scholarship to play basketball at Wharton Jr. College. Afterwards, he enrolled at the University of Texas in Austin where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. During semester breaks, he would roughneck offshore. He was called a “chain man”, and amazingly he never lost a finger. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business and Marketing from the University of Texas in 1956.
Red served in the US Army reserves, but was never activated. He played Volleyball on the Army Reserve Team helping take them to the National Championship.
Red worked for Houston Lighting and Power before starting his own company in the barge brokerage business. After closing that business, he started an inland waterways barge line, Coastal Towing, in the 1970s. Coastal Towing sold in 2000, he then started Grifco, his largest company, which was sold to a publicly traded company and he retired.
Red met the love of his life Gay, or “Cakes” as he called her (she called him “Hubs”), in the Corral Club at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo in 1976. After a whirlwind romance lasting 10 years, they married. They were a great match as they both loved to hunt, fish, cook, entertain and travel. Together they traveled to over 100 countries. Wing shooting was a favorite for Red & Gay. Argentina and Mexico were their favorite places to hunt. They retired in Galveston,Texas to enjoy life living on Galveston Bay. Red was a founding member of the “Thirsty Thursday Club” which began in 2008 at the Galveston Country Club and was also frequently spotted at the Artillery Club in Galveston.
Red’s longtime involvement in the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo began with the International Committee in 1986. He was elected to the HLSR Board of Directors in 1991 and served 29 years. He served as Vice President from 1997-1999 and Lifetime Vice President since 2000. He also served as Chairman on the Corporate Development Committee from 2002-2006. He served on the Board of Directors of two banks, four corporations, and the Houston Big Game Fishing Club. Red became a member of the prestigious Tejas Vaqueros in 1992 and served as a Vice President for three years.
When it comes to his familial title of Father, Grandfather, Uncle and Cousin, he was unparalleled. He instilled the motto of “family first” in each of them. His constant support, unwavering love and optimism guided them as well. His family held him in the highest esteem. His legacy will live on.
His friends considered him the best of friends and a skilled entrepreneur. He will truly be missed.
A private celebration of life is to be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon on Tuesday, the 12th of January. Public and virtual attendance may be accessed by selecting the “Join Livestream” link in the service information box below.
A public reception will follow from three o’clock in the afternoon until six o’clock in the evening, in the grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. For those unable to attend, livestreaming of the reception will be available below as well.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Red’s name be directed to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo at https://secure.rodeohouston.com/donate/?code=ForTheKids; and/or the Lighthouse Charities Team at https://lighthousecharityteam.com/donations.
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