Frederick E. Griffith passed away on Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, at his home in Newtown, Connecticut.
He was born in Erwin, Tennessee on January 15, 1928, the son of Garvey and Mary McKinney Griffith.
Dad graduated from ETSU in 1950 with a BS in Accounting. He joined the Air Force after graduation, finished flight training and received his silver wings March 1952. He flew the F-80, F-94 B, F-89 D and F-94.
He left the Air Force and was hired by American Airlines in 1956. He flew the Corvair 240, DC-6, DC-7, Corvair 990, BAC -111, Boeing 707, Boeing 727 and the DC-10.
He retired in 1988 after 32 years and more than 25,000 hours of flying time. He loved his job and would have loved another 32 years.
Dad filled his separation anxiety from flying by restoring a 1930 Model A Ford. He named the automobile the Lady Jane. He drove the Lady Jane often and especially enjoyed driving the Grand Marshal in a few Newtown, Connecticut, Labor Day parades.
Dad met his wife of 61 years, Geraldine Conklin, at American Airlines. She was his stewardess and love of his life. hey had a wonderful marriage since 1959. They both loved their friends, family, and church family at Newtown Christian Church.
His wife, my mother, Geraldine Conklin Griffith, preceded him in death on Nov. 25, 2020.
He is survived by me, his daughter, Jane Griffith Kelly, son-in-law David Kelly, and three grandchildren: Hope, Joshua and Joe. He is also survived by his brother Paul Griffith.
His sister Betty Griffith Meyer died May 21, 2013. Betty’s husband, Fred Meyer was more like a brother and best friend then a brother-in-law.
The Griffith household loved the Lord. It is a comfort to me that I will see them both again someday.
There will be a private graveside service at Seamanville Cemetery in Monroe.
Arrangements by Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home (845-782-8185 or www.ssqfuneralhome.com).