Family and friends of Bill Griffith are invited to a Celebration of Life and Memorial Service on Saturday, May 9th at 2:00 pm at the Willard Baptist Community Center. The Community Center is on Thompson Street behind the Baptist Church.
William (Bill) Ray Griffith, 94, formerly of Olive Hill, KY, died November 30, 2025 in Sunsites, AZ.
Bill was born May 12, 1931 to Obie H. and Celia Belle Stuart Griffith in Webbville, KY. He was the youngest of five children. Bill’s wife of 56 years, Louise Glover Griffith, preceded him on June 13, 2022.
His sisters Martha Ellen Griffith Rucker and Oda Griffith Harrison and his brothers Obie E. Griffith and Roy H. Griffith also preceded him. Bill leaves behind multiple generations of nieces and nephews for whom he will always be known as “Uncle Bill”.
Bill is survived by Louise’s son Floyd Tom Carroll (Trisha) of Grayson, KY and their daughter Madison Kibbey (Matthew) of Carter City, KY. Madison and Matthew welcomed their son Cooper just a few days after Bill died.
His wife Anna treasures the memories of their time together. His cats Keely and Baby miss his hugs and the sound of his voice. Bill married Anna Nickell on March 25, 2023, and he moved to her home in Sunsites, a small village in Southeastern Arizona. He fulfilled his childhood dream of exploring the cowboy and Indian country that was popular in the movies during his school years.
Bill graduated as valedictorian from Webbville High School in 1949, the final year of classes before the school burned. He attended Morehead University on a basketball scholarship.
In June of 1953, Bill became an apprentice in the Bricklayer’s and Mason’s International Union No. 7. Bill was a proud member of the union for more than 70 years.
An all-around athlete, Bill’s interest in sports continued through his lifetime, both as a spectator and as a participant. Bill, a devoted fan of University of Kentucky basketball, proudly “bled blue”. He was an award-winning golfer, and he enjoyed making custom golf clubs.
Bill was passionate about woodworking. He built kitchen cabinets and furniture, and Louise often worked with Bill in the workshop behind their home. Bill built an elaborate dollhouse for Madison, and Louise and Madison spent many happy hours together playing with Madison’s dolls.
Bill received his commission as a Kentucky Colonel issued by former Kentucky Governor Bert Combs in 1963.
A true Renaissance Man, Bill’s interests included literature, music, politics, sports, history, computers and genealogy. Throughout his life, he doted on his pets, including dogs, cats and other critters. He frequently quoted Mark Twain’s “The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog”.
Bill was one of a kind. He had strong opinions and high expectations for family and friends. Bill took to heart the message from the V Foundation and coach Jim Valvano. “Don’t Give Up. Don’t Ever Give Up!”
He revered Dr. Wilson Tang, MD, at the Cleveland Clinic and credited him for saving his life and for the twenty plus more years he had to enjoy time with friends and family.
Bill will be buried next to his beloved Louise at Bowen Chapel Cemetery, 21375 U.S. 60, Olive Hill, KY 41164.
You may honor Bill with donations to your favorite animal rescue organization or to the V Foundation-Victory Over Cancer. info@v.org
