Wayne Edwin McGriff, 97, a resident of Cleveland, went to be with the Lord on Friday, Sept. 9, 2011.

He was the son of the late Wesley Leroy McGriff and Minnie Mae Phelps McGriff.

He was also preceded in death by his brothers: Mack McGriff, Walter McGriff; and his sisters: Fannie, Della Hickey and Vivian Graham.

He worked for Santa Fe Railroad and Amtrak as a diesel mechanic for over 38 years.

He and his wife, Arlene, moved to Cleveland to retire. However, it wasn’t long until he was working again.

He was a security guard for the Church of God of Prophecy General Headquarters for 11 years. He and Arlene also served as foster parents for the Tomlinson Home for Children.

He was a member of The Church of God on Tillie Road. He was always a true gentleman with a wonderful smile and charming personality.

He is survived by his wife, Arlene Catherine McGriff of Cleveland; one daughter, Gloria Veota Roll of Cleveland; three sons: Wayne Evert McGriff and his wife, Zola, Clinton Edwin McGriff and his wife, Maurine, all of Vidor, Texas, and Melvin Clifford McGriff and his wife, Joyce, of Cleveland; one sister, Ueral Miller of Conway, Ark.; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

A private memorial service will be conducted on Monday, Sept. 12, 2011, at Jim Rush Funeral Homes, North Ocoee Chapel. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends this evening from 6 until 8 at the funeral home.

Please view and sign the guestbook at www.jimrushfuneralhomes.com.