He was born in Bradley County in 1933, and returned in 1993 following his retirement from TVA.
He was a graduate of Bradley High School where he was a member of the basketball team. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. He began his career with TVA in 1957, graduating from its inaugural operator training program and retiring as plant manager of the Hiwassee Group of hydroelectric dams.
He was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church in Cleveland and was active in supporting its food ministry. He was also a member of Valley View Ruritan Club where he served a term as president.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Verta Million Keith.
Survivors include his loving wife of 52 years, Thelma, sons: Greg (Janet) of Chattanooga and Chris (Jackie) of Newport News, Va.; grandson, Alex, of Chattanooga; four bothers: George (Augustine), Lowell (Mary), Glen (Carol) and Dale of Cleveland; sisters: Faye Whaley of Chattanooga, Nelda Willhoit and Nancy (Daniel) Roberts of Cleveland; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be held at 6:30 p.m. today, April 24, 2012, in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with Pastor Rusty Langford and the Rev. Jim Hensley officiating.
Interment will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Valley View Baptist Church Cemetery in Wears Valley, in Sevier County.
The family will receive friends from 3 to 6 this evening at the funeral home prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be directed to: Macedonia Baptist Church, 3119 Spring Place Road, Cleveland, TN 37323 or to a charity of your choice.
You are invited to send a message of condolence and view the Griffith family guest book at www.ralphbuckner.com.
