L. Hoyt Griffith
L. Hoyt Griffith
L. Hoyt Griffith of West Plains, MO, age 91 years, went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on August 21, 2021. He was born on December 25, 1929 in Chattanooga, TN, and was married for 69 years to Ruth Griffith (“his Ruthie”). They met while both were serving in the Air Force during the Korean War. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hoyt and Nellie Griffith, his sister, Marie McDowell, and his sister Betty Ball and her husband, Ray, all of Tennessee.
He served in the Navy Reserve for two years from 1948-50, and in the Air Force for four years from 1950-54. His rank was S/SGT when he completed his service. He served as Radio Traffic Analyst with the National Security Agency (NSA) and was stationed at the South Post of Fort Myers and later attached to Bolling Air Force Base. His job was highly classified and he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. After leaving the military, he led an exemplary civilian life. He received an Engineering Degree from the University of Tennessee and later having worked for GE and IBM, he became a Senior VP in Electronic Banking Division of IBC, a Bank Holding Company (now part of Wells Fargo). After retirement, he received a 10-year U.S. Government Service Pin for working with the U.S. Census.
Survivors include three daughters, Della Marie Griffith and Dixie Pohlman of Richmond, VA, Diane Smithey and son-in-law, Louis, of West Plains, MO, and son, Mark Griffith, of Avon Park, Florida.
Surviving grandchildren include Tanner Griffith (Kara) of Raleigh, Drs. Ashley DiMeola (Michael) of Vermont, Daniel Griffith (Meredith) of State College, PA, Michael Griffith of St. Petersburg FL, Elizabeth Griffith of St. Petersburg FL, Samuel Smithey (Sharon) of Kansas City, MO, and Jack Smithey (Emily) of Kansas City, MO.
Other survivors include sister Pam Harne (Donald) of Smithsburg, MD, and a number of beloved nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
He wanted it to be known by all, just in case they didn’t know it before, that he knew and loved the Lord Jesus Christ and wanted all of his friends and acquaintances to also know and love the Lord. He was an active member of Franklin Heights Church in Rocky Mount VA for many years. When he moved to Missouri in 2018, “Griff” found a good church and enjoyed attending First Baptist Church of West Plains.
A memorial service will be held at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, MO on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Gideons International and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Amber Redburn
August 23, 2021 @ 7:05 pm
Diane & Louis and Smithey Families,
We want to extend our deepest sympathy to all of you on the passing of L. Hoyt. I will miss him smiling and waving to me as he mowed the extra lot with me driving by. Corby made the remark as well how friendly he was and his smiles. During this difficult time we will be praying daily for all of you and may God encourage, support, strengthen, and give each of you peace. May God bless all of you.
In Christian Love,
Tim, Amber, and Corby Redburn
Carolyn Whitley
August 24, 2021 @ 7:58 am
Hoyt was a wonderful friend.
We have fond memories of him, Ruth, Mark and family. Our love to all.
Barbara Ware
August 24, 2021 @ 10:46 am
Hoyt was one of the best friends Carl and I made at FHBC when we moved to VA 21 years ago. He and Ruth were the best of the best! Hoyt was so loved and will be missed by so many
Jim & Jeanne Swope
August 24, 2021 @ 11:29 am
We would like to offer our condolences in your loss. “Griff” was such a gentleman and we will miss seeing him in church.
Michele Back
August 24, 2021 @ 1:18 pm
Michele Back / August 24,2021 @ 2:11pm
Hoyt was a member of our JOY Club at Franklin Heights Church. Most every month I would have to call Ruth and he to remember to come and to sign up on the list. Most of the time I just put their names on the list. He always told me “I don’t know what I’d do if someone else took over your job and didn’t know to put us on the JOY Club list. I thank you for all you do.” I surely will miss his always joking around and his smiling face.
Launa H. Lilly
August 24, 2021 @ 1:25 pm
Royal and I enjoyed knowing Ruth and Hoyt while he was in Franklin Heights Church. He was always wanting to ride his motorcycle with Royal, but they never got out on the road together. We had lunch with them at K &W in Tanglewood one time and somehow dancing came up and Ruth said she loved to dance. Well Royal being a professional dancer of every kind asked Ruth if she would dance with him sometime. Ruth said she would love to. Ruth said Hoyt did not dance. Somehow Ruth and Royal never went to a dance. Hoyt and I would have just watched.
Linda Smithson
August 24, 2021 @ 8:47 pm
Mr. Griffith made an indelible mark on my life as a student of Ferrum College way back in the late ’70s and ’80s. His excitement for the Lord got me excited. Please take comfort in the life his was and is now in the presence of the Lord.
Carl Jolliff
August 24, 2021 @ 10:20 pm
I enjoyed Bible study together, with Hoyt. He was very knowledgeable of God’s word. Hoyt was a gentleman and a caring person.
He will be missed.
Tony, Claudia, Luke and Paige Thomas
August 25, 2021 @ 7:29 pm
To all of the wonderful Griffith and Yeaste Family. Our deepest sympathy for a wonderful man who was my Uncle. Always a genuine and sweet patriarch. Ruth, we love you and are praying for you. Della Marie, Diane, Dixie and Mark; all my cousins who I have not seen enough of, we send our condolences for the passing of your loving father. I can not say enough about my good memories of “Uncle Hoyt”. But we have comfort in knowing his soul is safe in eternal glory! Bless You All. Love Tony, Claudia, Luke and Paige Thomas
Sonja Richards
August 25, 2021 @ 10:37 pm
We were so sorry to hear of Hoyt’s death. My mentor at Franklin Heights Church told me whenever we were expecting another child, to go straight to Hoyt for encouragement. The Lord knew I needed that! As I would pass him in church, he would always smile and say, “Hi, highly favored!” because God blessed us with eight children. He thought Christians should have a slew of children for more lights to be spreading the Gospel. Hoyt had a pressing desire for all to come to know his Lord and Savior. And he worked hard at spreading the Gospel. Hoyt and Ruth’s marriage was one to emulate because they put God first. I remember him riding his motorcycle late in life AND the wreck he had and Ruth just shaking her head wishing he would get rid of it! He HAS been missed at FHC and will be missed. But, for those that know his Savior, we will meet again! I am sure Hoyt heard, “Well done good and faithful servant!” as he entered heaven’s gate!
Carolyn Ciccarello
August 26, 2021 @ 9:06 am
Always loved to see Ruth and Hoyt walk into church and sit in front of us. Their smiles and greetings were always a blessing. Prayers and love to Ruth.
Ken Prillaman
August 26, 2021 @ 7:49 pm
Hoyt was a good man. He will “surely” be missed. Had Hoyt for many years as a Sunday School Teacher. At times, I guess you could say he was very “expository”. Heaven just received a great asset. We Will Miss you!
Gloria Cowens
September 3, 2021 @ 5:28 pm
Just found out that Hoyt passed away. So sorry to hear about it. I remember his smile an always talking to me at the Civic Center. He never met a stranger. He cared about all of his friends. He always told me that he would keep me an my son in his prayers. I really liked him alot. I will miss him. I will keep all of you in my prayers. We know the Lord has welcomed Hoyt with open arms cause he had done a good job spreading the word of his beloved Lord to everyone here on earth that he knew.