Our dear, sweet Dad passed away in the early morning hours of February 12, 2014. Dad was born in Dodson, Texas on February 28, 1930. He was the son of Minnie Arnold and Louis Griffin. Dad served in the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed at Patrick Air Force Base in 1951. He attended a USO Dance on October 31, 1951 and met his future wife, Jackie Boland. They were married on July 17, 1952. After Dad left the service, they spent time living in Massachusetts and California. During this time, they had three children. They returned to Florida and settled down in Melbourne in August 1962. Dad worked for the Melbourne Post Office until he retired in 1985. He and Mom then spent several years traveling around the country working on family genealogy. In December 1998, Dad’s kidneys began failing and he started dialysis. We would like to thank the Melbourne Kidney Center and Dr. Wayne Rodriguez for the wonderful care they gave Dad over the last 15 years. Mom passed away in 2004. She’s been waiting a long time for Dad to join her! Dad is survived by his children and their spouses: Kathy and Sam Tyson of Grant, FL; Joann and Steve Filliben of West Palm Beach, FL; and Bill and Betsy Arnold of Durham, NH. He is survived by 7 grandchildren: Heather(Justin), Steven(Susan) Alyssa Kate, William Thomas, Cody, Meghan, and Nicholas; two great granddaughters, Bryce and Brielle and two step-grandsons, Shea and Jason, and their families; as well as three nieces and one nephew. A memorial service will be held Sunday February 23, 2014 at Fountainhead Funeral Home, 7359 Babcock Street SE, Palm Bay, FL at 2:00PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Melbourne Kidney Center, 1400 S. Apollo Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901. They were so wonderful to Dad.
Dad- You were the best father we could have ever wanted. We love and miss you.
The time of my departure is at hand
I fought the good fight
I have finished the race
I have kept the faith
2 Timothy 4-6
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