1914
Henry
2007
Henry Porter Griffin, Jr.
November 16, 1914 — April 21, 2007
HARLINGEN/HOUSTON:
Henry Porter Griffin, Jr. passed peacefully on April 21, 2007 in Houston due to cancer at the age of 92. He is survived by his children Bill Griffin of Dallas, Barbara Griffin of Houston, and Carolyn Davis (Rick) Williams of Houston, and his grandchildren Lauren Davis, Lindsey Davis, Christine Williams (Daniel) Selvidge, and Mike (Sara) Williams all of Houston, and his great grandchildren Elise Selvidge, Sam Selvidge, and Kaylee Williams. Also surviving are his sister Elizabeth (J.C.) Monk of Horseshoe Bay, niece Gail Griffin (Glenn) Thomason of Chama, NM (formerly from Harlingen), sister in law Eleanor Henderson of Kerrville (formerly from McAllen) and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. Henry was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years Louise Williams Griffin, his parents Henry Porter Griffin, Sr. and Mamie Closner Griffin, and his brother John William (Josephine) Griffin.
Henry was born November 16, 1914 in San Juan and was reared in McAllen. He attended Edinburg Junior College for two years. He then transferred to the University of Texas at Austin where he joined his father’s fraternity Chi Phi and graduated with a business degree in 1937. During World War II, Henry was commissioned in the US Navy and served four years in the Pacific area aboard the USS Essex. He retired from the Naval Reserves as Lieutenant Commander. Henry worked for Exxon Mobil (formerly Humble Oil Company) from 1937 to 1980. After retiring from Exxon Mobil, Henry was a realtor in Harlingen until 2002.
As an active participant in community and religious programs, Henry was involved in the Historical Society of Cameron County (president), Historical Society of Hidalgo County, United Fund (president), Rotary (president, with perfect attendance for more than 50 years), Harlingen Chamber of Commerce (welcoming committee through the Six Shooters), Harlingen Arts and Entertainment (membership committee), Harlingen Community Concerts (long time supporter), the Elks (pianist) and St. Anthony Catholic Church (member and organist).
Henry’s interest in Rio Grande Valley history stemmed from his family’s background. His maternal grandfather John Closner was a former sheriff of Hidalgo County and owned a sugarcane plantation near San Juan in the early 1900s. His sugarcane won a gold medal at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis in 1904. In 1909, San Juan was reportedly named after John Closner who helped organize the town. After being exposed to the colorful adventures of his grandfather, Henry was committed to honoring the Valley’s early entrepreneurs and preserving their legacy and historic structures.
Also, Henry’s family roots influenced his interest in music and religion. His paternal grandfather from Henderson, Texas was a Methodist minister who encouraged Henry’s father to play piano at an early age. Likewise, the young Henry accompanied his civil engineer father to the Methodist Church in McAllen for choir practice where Henry developed a love for music and a gift of service. Following in the Catholic faith of his mother, Henry became a dedicated member of St. Anthony Catholic Church where he played the organ for 56 years. He also graciously played at numerous weddings, funerals and parties whenever requested. Given his ecumenical upbringing, Henry respected and appreciated different religions. Throughout his life he participated in various church study groups including a seven year Baptist sponsored bible study which he completed at the age of 88.
Henry was a supporter of continuing education, religious freedom, historical preservation, and the arts. He enjoyed music, live performances, traveling and meeting people. Many were blessed by Henry who selflessly played the piano or organ for his church, civic organizations and friends and who persevered in his commitment to service. Henry will be remembered for the loving, peaceful and generous spirit which he displayed through his music and with his constant smile and positive attitude.
The family extends special thanks to the doctors, nurses and caregivers who assisted Henry during the last few months in Harlingen at Golden Palms and Valley Baptist Hospital, and in Houston at Silverado Senior Living. Henry’s children are extremely grateful for the support of family, friends and neighbors, especially Gail Thomason, Eleanor Henderson, Carolyn Hall and Charlie Lewis. They took a special interest in Henry by continually encouraging him to enjoy life and to perform for others which Henry did until just a few days before his death.
Visitation hours will be held from 12 PM to 8 PM with the family present from 5 PM to 7 PM, Friday, April 27, 2007 at the funeral home. The funeral service will be held Saturday, April 28, 2007 at 11 AM in St. Anthony Catholic Church. Internment will follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park. Pallbearers include John Henderson, Rick Henderson, Jack Monk, Dick Ross, Glenn Thomason, and Ryan Thomason. Honorary pallbearers include members of the Rotary Club.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, St. Anthony Catholic Church, Cameron County Historical Society, or the organization of choice.
You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.buck-ashcraft.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.
Henry Porter Griffin, Jr. passed peacefully on April 21, 2007 in Houston due to cancer at the age of 92. He is survived by his children Bill Griffin of Dallas, Barbara Griffin of Houston, and Carolyn Davis (Rick) Williams of Houston, and his grandchildren Lauren Davis, Lindsey Davis, Christine Williams (Daniel) Selvidge, and Mike (Sara) Williams all of Houston, and his great grandchildren Elise Selvidge, Sam Selvidge, and Kaylee Williams. Also surviving are his sister Elizabeth (J.C.) Monk of Horseshoe Bay, niece Gail Griffin (Glenn) Thomason of Chama, NM (formerly from Harlingen), sister in law Eleanor Henderson of Kerrville (formerly from McAllen) and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. Henry was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years Louise Williams Griffin, his parents Henry Porter Griffin, Sr. and Mamie Closner Griffin, and his brother John William (Josephine) Griffin.
Henry was born November 16, 1914 in San Juan and was reared in McAllen. He attended Edinburg Junior College for two years. He then transferred to the University of Texas at Austin where he joined his father’s fraternity Chi Phi and graduated with a business degree in 1937. During World War II, Henry was commissioned in the US Navy and served four years in the Pacific area aboard the USS Essex. He retired from the Naval Reserves as Lieutenant Commander. Henry worked for Exxon Mobil (formerly Humble Oil Company) from 1937 to 1980. After retiring from Exxon Mobil, Henry was a realtor in Harlingen until 2002.
As an active participant in community and religious programs, Henry was involved in the Historical Society of Cameron County (president), Historical Society of Hidalgo County, United Fund (president), Rotary (president, with perfect attendance for more than 50 years), Harlingen Chamber of Commerce (welcoming committee through the Six Shooters), Harlingen Arts and Entertainment (membership committee), Harlingen Community Concerts (long time supporter), the Elks (pianist) and St. Anthony Catholic Church (member and organist).
Henry’s interest in Rio Grande Valley history stemmed from his family’s background. His maternal grandfather John Closner was a former sheriff of Hidalgo County and owned a sugarcane plantation near San Juan in the early 1900s. His sugarcane won a gold medal at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis in 1904. In 1909, San Juan was reportedly named after John Closner who helped organize the town. After being exposed to the colorful adventures of his grandfather, Henry was committed to honoring the Valley’s early entrepreneurs and preserving their legacy and historic structures.
Also, Henry’s family roots influenced his interest in music and religion. His paternal grandfather from Henderson, Texas was a Methodist minister who encouraged Henry’s father to play piano at an early age. Likewise, the young Henry accompanied his civil engineer father to the Methodist Church in McAllen for choir practice where Henry developed a love for music and a gift of service. Following in the Catholic faith of his mother, Henry became a dedicated member of St. Anthony Catholic Church where he played the organ for 56 years. He also graciously played at numerous weddings, funerals and parties whenever requested. Given his ecumenical upbringing, Henry respected and appreciated different religions. Throughout his life he participated in various church study groups including a seven year Baptist sponsored bible study which he completed at the age of 88.
Henry was a supporter of continuing education, religious freedom, historical preservation, and the arts. He enjoyed music, live performances, traveling and meeting people. Many were blessed by Henry who selflessly played the piano or organ for his church, civic organizations and friends and who persevered in his commitment to service. Henry will be remembered for the loving, peaceful and generous spirit which he displayed through his music and with his constant smile and positive attitude.
The family extends special thanks to the doctors, nurses and caregivers who assisted Henry during the last few months in Harlingen at Golden Palms and Valley Baptist Hospital, and in Houston at Silverado Senior Living. Henry’s children are extremely grateful for the support of family, friends and neighbors, especially Gail Thomason, Eleanor Henderson, Carolyn Hall and Charlie Lewis. They took a special interest in Henry by continually encouraging him to enjoy life and to perform for others which Henry did until just a few days before his death.
Visitation hours will be held from 12 PM to 8 PM with the family present from 5 PM to 7 PM, Friday, April 27, 2007 at the funeral home. The funeral service will be held Saturday, April 28, 2007 at 11 AM in St. Anthony Catholic Church. Internment will follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park. Pallbearers include John Henderson, Rick Henderson, Jack Monk, Dick Ross, Glenn Thomason, and Ryan Thomason. Honorary pallbearers include members of the Rotary Club.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, St. Anthony Catholic Church, Cameron County Historical Society, or the organization of choice.
You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.buck-ashcraft.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Henry Porter Griffin, Jr., please visit our flower store.