He retired as President of L. D. Long, Inc. in 2012 after working there 49 years, served in the United States Army National Guard where he was called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis in September of 1961 and served until 1965. Of his accomplishments that he was most proud of was being one of nine founders in 1991 of the "Arkansas Timber Producers Assoc." "ATPA", giving the Arkansas loggers a united voice with the state's legislature regarding workman's compensation and other issues of concern for the logging industry. He was also most proud of helping to establish in 1991 the Drew County Log-A-Load for Children's annual fundraiser for the Arkansas Children's Hospital. He served on both organizations' boards until his health prevented it in 2015. Joe also served on the Drew Memorial Hospital board from 2001 until 2008.
He was an avid outdoorsman and hunter, enjoying the comradery of the people he was with more than the activity or bounty. He loved the logging industry and all with whom he worked. His greatest joy was being able to be of service to his family and friends. He was a true gentlemen and exemplified his Christianity through his gift of sharing and loving everyone he met.
He was a member of Second Baptist Church where he served on the personnel committee. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his first wife, Donna Long Griffith and his daughter, Niki Griffith Morgan Barnes; two brothers, Winfred Griffith and Napoleon "Don" Griffith; and one sister, Irene Griffith Lanphear, and a special cousin "sister", Barbara Jo Forrest.
Survivors include his wife, Gay Hoover Rabb Griffith of Monticello; one granddaughter, Randa Morgan of Ft. Smith; one grandson, Jay Morgan (Jacky) of Monticello; one brother, Gary Griffith of San Antonio, TX; two step-daughters, Jodi Rabb Ortner (Robert) of Jackson, MS and Lara Rabb Knott (Steve) of Mena, step granddaughter Taylor Ortner and step grandson Kaleb Ortner (Savannah) all of Jackson, MS; four special cousins Keitha Griffith of Maumelle, Steve Griffith (Donna) of Bryant, Heather Griffith McGarity (Ricky) of El Dorado and Holley Griffith Bauman (Rick) of Smackover; an Aunt, Maudie Crieghton Harmon of Star City; a sister-law, Jeannie Long Cobb (M.C.) of Memphis, TN and brother-in-law, Larry Don Long (Joann) of Monticello; He loved and was close to all his many nephews, nieces, great and great-great nieces and nephews and numerous cousins.
Visitation was held 5:00-7:00 p.m. Saturday, September 29, 2018 at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel. Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 13, 2018 at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel. Memorials may be made to the Arkansas Children's Hospital or the Second Baptist Church Building Fund. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(17)
Terry Lanphear
Henderson, NV Sunday, October 14, 2018 He will forever remain in our hearts, R.I.P. Uncle JoeJerry L. berry
Sugar Land, TX Sunday, October 14, 2018 I can see Jesus with outstretched arms welcoming Joe into heaven. May God bless you all as you live without Mr. Joe Griffith, Jr.Harold McCormick
monticello, AR Friday, October 5, 2018 Not a finer man than Mr. Joe.Janice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Monday, October 1, 2018 Gay and Family,I am so sorry to read about Joe's death. What a sweet man, Joe! He will surely be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I pray you find peace and comfort in knowing he is now with our God.
With love & sympathy,
Janice
John Stone
Houston, TX Monday, October 1, 2018 Gary - So sorry to learn about Joe's death. I remember him as your caring big brother always giving us advice as we headed out on another one our crazy adventures. May the peace of Christ be with you and your family.John
Courtney Woods
Potsdam, NY Sunday, September 30, 2018 To Joe's Family:Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss. As someone who worked years ago alongside Joe in person, and now as I write about him for ATPA, what I remember most about him was his kindness and warmth. He will be missed by fellow loggers and those of us in the forestry community. Gentle. Friendly. Caring. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Alvin and Irma James
Monticello, AR Saturday, September 29, 2018 To family...Our thoughts and prayers with you. Enjoyed visiting with Joe when we were home . Love to all.Dorothy McDonnell
Gainesville, FL Saturday, September 29, 2018 Gay, So sorry for your loss. All my thought and prayers are with you and your family. Love youLisa Burks Forrest
UA MONTICELLO, AR Saturday, September 29, 2018 Mrs.Gay i'm so sorry to hear about Mr.Joe. I have you in my thoughts and prayers.Archie & Jennifer Clark
Warren, AR Friday, September 28, 2018 We are so sorry for your loss. Joe was such a kind and wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.Ann Rabb Curry
Angleton, TX Friday, September 28, 2018 Gay so sorry you lost your sweet husband. I did not know him but looking at his photo he.looked like a sweet man.Jamie and I send our sympathy to you and your family.
Jerry Jordan
Maumelle,, AR Friday, September 28, 2018 Joe was a good friend and neighbor on North Main, prayers for his family he will truly be missed.Barbara Posey
Monticello, AR Friday, September 28, 2018 Mrs. Gay, so very sorry to hear about Mr. Joe. You are in my thoughts and prayers.linda fundrburg
monticllo, AR Friday, September 28, 2018 prayrs for th familyDennis Wells
Springdale, AR Friday, September 28, 2018 Gay, so sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for you and family.Dennis Wells
Larry & Bea Tucker
Wilmar, AR Friday, September 28, 2018 Ms. Gay,So sorry to hear about Mr. Joe. He was the nicest and kindest person you could ever meet. Always enjoyed visiting with you and him. Praying God will wrap his loving arms around you and comfort you during this sad time. We love you!!!
Heather (Griffith) McGarity
El Dorado, AR Thursday, September 27, 2018 Joe was a kind wonderful man, he will be missed. Prayers for all whose lives he touched.