Thomas “Gene” Griffin, of Houston, Texas – age 85 - walked into glory and stood in the presence of our Lord and Savior on February 13, 2024. He defeated his illness when he departed this world while sleeping peacefully, in the presence of his beautiful and devoted wife of 62 years, Thelma Griffin, who remained faithfully at his side for the duration of his illness.

Gene Griffin was born on November 9, 1938, on a small farm in Warren, Texas to parents Thomas Byrd Griffin and Jeanita Ruth (Cure) Griffin. He was one of nine children and the last survivor of his immediate family, having been preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings. Their family means were meager and life on the family farm was tough, as they didn’t have electricity until Gene was in the sixth grade. He graduated from Warren High School in 1957.

When he was twenty years old, Gene met the love of his life, Thelma Murphree, while attending Port Street Baptist Church, where he made a public profession of faith. She was sixteen years old. Having dated for two years, Gene and Thelma were married on September 1, 1961, immediately after Thelma graduated from Stephen F Austin High School. Gene was called into service by the United States Army during the Cuban Missile Crisis, on September 20, 1961, just nineteen days after they were married. He proudly served his country for two years, reaching the rank of Sergeant before receiving an Honorable discharge.

After leaving the armed services, Gene took a job at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, which later became AT&T. During his tenure, Gene promoted to the management level and was largely responsible for the supervision, design, installation, and trouble shooting of Houston’s 911 system and Caller ID system. He worked diligently at AT&T for 35 years, winning an Award for never taking a sick day during his entire tenure there. His work ethic was legendary. Even after his retirement, Gene could not stand being idle and soon returned to work at Pair Gain, retiring again after a few years. After his second retirement, Gene went to work for one of his best friends, Leon Hudson, who owns McClain Trailers. After working for McClain for several years, he tried to retire again, but soon went back to work there, working forty hours a week even up to the age of eighty-four years old, until his illness finally kept him home.

Gene is survived by his wife Thelma, two children Laurie and husband Mark Stephens and Kevin and wife Candi Griffin, two grandchildren, Brandon and wife Lisa Stephens and Reagan Griffin, and two great grandchildren, Sutton and Sophia Stephens, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. Gene was an active and proud father and grandfather who loved his family with his whole heart. He was especially proud of his grandchildren. Brandon is a Homicide Detective with the Houston Police Department, and Reagan is an accomplished dancer, and a college Freshman at Texas State University, where she pursues the study of dance. He proudly attended Brandon’s graduation from the Houston Police Academy several years ago and he loved nothing more than attending Reagan’s dance recitals and watching Reagan dance.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints” -Psalm 116:15.

Gene Griffin was nothing, if not saintly.

Having been blessed with a brilliant intellect and a natural inclination for all things electrical and mechanical, he spent much of his free time utilizing his vast knowledge, skills, and intellect in the service of others. In his younger years, many of his weekends were spent working on cars and air conditioning units for friends, neighbors, and church members, paying particular attention to God’s call to care for widows and orphans. He did this largely at his own expense. He also did this in addition to being a dedicated member and longtime Deacon of the church and he spent vast amounts of time working on church projects, teaching Sunday School, bible studies, leading prayer groups, and making himself available for the needs of the church.

These accomplishments were quietly achieved, for Gene Griffin was a very humble man who lived life as a living example of Christ’s love for others. He was never known to brag. Unless, of course, it was on the softball field, or volleyball court, or playing any number of board games, dominoes, or card games, as he was a fierce competitor who did not like to lose.

While Gene will be missed dearly by his family and friends, his family and those who knew him best are strengthened by their faith and trust in knowing that Gene lived his life dedicated to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and that he no longer suffers from the sickness and physical restraints of his earthly body, but stood tall and strong as God welcomed him home with, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”

In lieu of flowers: SIM Missionary
Checks payable to: SIM USA
Mail to: Ann Gilman 5927 Thom Rd Humble, Texas 77346

Honorary Pallbearers: Leon Hudson, Charlie Jones, Jim Morris, Jim Green, Merle Aaron, Bill Young, Mack Huey and Joe Broadhurst.

Pallbearers: Brandon Stephens, Rick Cartier, Tim Moorhaj, Buster Franke, John Bourgeois, Mike Taylor, Chuck Hansen, and Ruben Carrizal.

Interment will be at the Houston National Cemetery, located at 10410 Veteran’s Memorial Drive Houston, Texas 77038 at a later date for family.