William Griffith

William “Bill” A. Griffith, 88, Joplin, MO, passed away September 23, 2016 at Parkway Health & Rehab in Kansas City, MO after an illness.   William Andrew Griffith was born August 1, 1928 in Picher, OK the son of John Newton and Pearl Vivian (Stout) Griffith. Bill was a machinist for Hanford Atomic Energy in Richland Washington before retiring. He was a member of Commerce Community Church and Western Cherokee Nation.   William “Bill” Griffith married Billie Lingle in 1948 and she preceded him in death. From this union came five daughters.   William “Bill” Griffith married Elnora Fern Edwards in 1974 and she survives.   Additional survivors include children: Jonathan Griffith and wife Deana, Joplin, MO, Vici Weatherby and husband Jerry, Kennewick, WA, Sharon Fairchild, State of WA, Valerie Smith and husband Michael, Kennewick, WA, Pamela Hutchins and husband Bill, Kennewick, WA, Becky Armatrout and husband Greg, Kennewick, WA; step-children, Teresa Clark Lauderdale and husband Everett, Joplin, MO, Randy Clark and wife Barbie, Goodman, MO, Tim Clark, Joplin, MO; one brother Jerry Griffith, Tonasket, WA; 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; 10 step-grandchildren and 12 step great-grand-children.   Bill was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Junior Griffith and Jack Griffith, one sister, Lavera Bolton and one step-grand-daughter Tonya Heiller.   A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, October 1, 2016 at the Seneca Full Gospel Church with Floyd Austin officiating. The body has been taken for cremation under the personal direction of Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home, Seneca, MO.