Willie Mcgriff Sr.

Obituary: Celebrating the Life of Willie McGriff, Sr. Willie ‘Bill' McGriff, Sr. of Lancaster, SC departed this life on Thursday, October 19, 2017. Born to Arthur and Mary Galatia McGriff June 10th, 1924 in Van Wyck, South Carolina. He was predeceased by one sister, Odessa McGriff, and educated in the South Carolina school system. A lifelong learner - though he only achieved a 3rd-grade education- education was always important to him. He encouraged those around him to pursue academic excellence. His dream was to have been a surgeon. At eighteen, he left Lancaster County for Washington, DC to pursue job opportunities. Upon arriving, he worked for the British Embassy until retiring in 1976. One of his proudest moments came when he met the Queen of England and Prince Charles. Mr. Bill's time with the Embassy had muddied his southern drawl so much so, that he could speak with a perfect British accent causing many to be perplexed as to his nationality. "Ello, mate!" was always a comical reception! Mr. Bill a proud member of the Metropolitan Police Reserve, under badge number 501! There, in Washington, D.C., he married Delois M. Graves and from this union came four children. In 1976, he returned to Lancaster County where he sought an array of opportunities until his injury at Spring's, which led him to pursue entrepreneurship. One of his greatest pleasures was working with his hands. He did this through repairing and refurbishing furniture and selling it and ensuring others could furnish their homes at reasonable prices. It was no secret that accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior was a pinnacle accomplishment! He was a faithful member of First Washington Baptist Church until health challenges made it difficult to attend. He met and married his "forever love" Reola McGriff and together they have shared their lives for the last forty years. Willie and Reola were, simply put, inseparable. He leaves to cherish sweet memories his loving wife, Reola McGriff (Lancaster, SC). Four children, Willie ‘Billy' McGriff, Jr.(Theresa) of Washington, DC, Valencia A. Patterson of Columbia, S.C., Carolyn M. Carswell(Darrel) of Washington, DC., and Sandra O. McGriff of Washington, DC. Two daughters-in-love, Doretha Custis (George) of Boston, MA, and Paulette Triplett (Steve) of Bowman, SC. Grandchildren: Tisha, Mackie (Darlene), Derrick (Andrea), Sharie (Jay), Ashlee, Darius, Carolyn, Renee, and Tripp. 15 great-grandchildren. One niece, two nephews, great nieces and nephews, and a host of relatives and friends. We celebrate because he lived a life that honored God so that when he transitioned, God honored him! Services: Memorial Service for Mr. Willie McGriff Sr. will be held 12:00 Friday Oct. 27, 2017 at the JP Holley Funeral Home- Columbia Chapel.