Horace Griffith Jr.

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Horace Griffith Jr.

July 24, 1949 – November 10, 2026

Horace Griffith Jr., affectionately known to family and friends as “Uncle June,” was born on July 24, 1949, in Bayou Chicot, Louisiana, to the late Horace “Greely” Griffith Sr. and Sadie Skinner Griffith. On Tuesday, November 10, 2026, surrounded by the love and presence of his family, Horace entered eternal rest, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith, perseverance, laughter, and unconditional love.

Raised in the close-knit communities of Bayou Chicot and Ville Platte, Louisiana, Horace developed the values that would guide him throughout his life: an unwavering faith in God, an exceptional work ethic, and a genuine willingness to help others.

As a young man, Horace relocated to Texas City, Texas, where he attended College of the Mainland and earned his certification in automotive mechanics. In 1972, he met Earthy Mae Citizen, the woman who would become his beloved wife. The two were united in holy matrimony in 1974, and from their union came two children, Horace Griffith III and Shamona Chantal Griffith.

A Man of Many Talents

To know Horace was to know a man who believed that no task was too great, no problem was without a solution, and no honest day’s work was beneath him.

A true jack of all trades, Horace possessed a remarkable ability to turn his hands to nearly anything. From farming, construction, carpentry, and plumbing to electrical work, painting, commercial driving, custodial services, and security, his talents knew few limitations. Resourceful, hardworking, and determined, Horace never shied away from an opportunity to work or provide for his family. He approached every responsibility with proficiency, efficiency, and pride.

He was a man who could make something out of seemingly nothing, who always found a way, and whose knowledge and skills made him the person everyone knew they could call.

Horace dedicated 15 years of service to the La Marque Independent School District before returning to Louisiana in 1992. Settling in Elton, he worked for the Elton Rice Dryer for three years before beginning a distinguished 22-year career with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. His dedication to providing for his family also led him to work part-time at Coushatta Casino Resort and the state correctional facility in Basile, Louisiana.

Through every season of life, Horace demonstrated that hard work was more than a responsibility; it was a reflection of his character.

A Faithful Servant of God.

Above all, Horace was a man of faith who believed in serving the Lord not only through his words but through his actions.

Throughout his life, he faithfully served as a deacon, head usher, and member of the male chorus. His Christian journey included years of dedicated service at Morning Pilgrim Baptist Church in Bayou Chicot, Louisiana; Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church in Texas City, Texas; Golden Chain Baptist Church in Elton, Louisiana; St. John Baptist Church in Kinder, Louisiana; and Greater Golden Light Baptist Church in Basile, Louisiana.

Whether lifting his voice in song, welcoming others into the house of worship, or lending his hands wherever they were needed, Horace understood that service to God was also service to others.

The Man We Knew and Loved

Beyond his many accomplishments and responsibilities was a man whose presence could fill a room with laughter.

Horace loved the simple pleasures of life: fishing, hunting, spending time outdoors, watching his beloved Westerns, and listening to good music. He enjoyed telling stories, sharing jokes, and finding humor in everyday moments. A good cup of coffee, a honey bun, or a bowl of vanilla and strawberry ice cream could bring him just as much satisfaction as a day spent doing the things he loved.

He especially loved Christmastime and the joy of gathering with family.

Rest was rarely on his agenda. Even when there was nothing that needed to be done, Horace could always find something to do. Sitting still simply wasn’t in his nature.

Blessed with a quick wit and an unforgettable sense of humor, Horace had a special way of turning ordinary moments into cherished memories. His storytelling, playful personality, and ability to make others laugh brought joy to countless family gatherings and everyday conversations. Those fortunate enough to know him will forever remember the warmth of his presence and the laughter he so freely shared.

He never met a stranger. He was often the first to offer a greeting, strike up a conversation, share a laugh, or extend a helping hand. His generosity was not measured by what he possessed, but by what he was willing to give of himself.

To his family, Horace was more than a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was a protector, a provider, a problem-solver, and a constant source of strength.

He was dependable. He was resourceful. He was the man you called when something needed to be done.

To those who loved him, he was simply Superman.

And although even Superman must one day lay down his cape, the love, lessons, and memories Horace leaves behind will continue to live in the hearts of those who knew him.

A Legacy of Love

Horace was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Earthy Mae Citizen Griffith; his parents, Horace “Greely” Griffith Sr. and Sadie Skinner Griffith; and twelve siblings: Kinney Griffith, Louis Griffith, Emerson Griffith, Sylvester Griffith, Housen “Rodey” Wallace, Earline Griffith, Peaches Griffith Charles, Eula Mae West, Alivia Griffin, Morell Griffith, Lilly Belle Balsin, and Lillian Griffith.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory his loving children, Horace Griffith III (Angela) and Shamona Chantal Griffith Arrington (Antonio); his brother, Ulysses “Jack” Griffith; his devoted sister, Eretta G. Blessett; his eleven beloved grandchildren, Tyshean, Destinee, Maycie, Jermaine, Kevin, Joseph, Joshua, Nathaniel (Elizabeth), Deandre, and LaMarcus Griffith, and Ahmaya Arrington; and his great-grandchild, Virginia Griffith.

He also leaves his sister-in-law, Gertie Mae Griffith, along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, and dear friends whose lives were made richer by knowing him.

His Work on Earth Is Done

Horace Griffith Jr. lived a life that demonstrated the beauty of honest work, the strength of unwavering faith, and the importance of family.

He taught through his actions that a man’s worth is not measured by the things he accumulates, but by the lives he touches, the love he gives, and the legacy he leaves behind.

His hands, once so accustomed to building, fixing, working, and helping, are now at rest.

His laughter will echo in our memories. His wisdom will guide us. His love will remain a part of who we are.

And whenever something needs fixing, a story needs telling, or a helping hand is needed, we will remember the man who always seemed to know just what to do.

Rest well, Daddy. You’ve worked hard, you’ve served faithfully, and you’ve loved deeply. Your labor is complete, but your legacy lives on.