Buddy Griffis

Robert Morris Griffis Jr lovingly known by all as "Buddy", passed away February 23rd, 2025, at his home in San Augustine TX.

Buddy was the youngest of 5 children to Robert M. and Clarice A. Griffis. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, cousin and devoted friend to those who knew him.

Buddy was born September 12, 1960, in Houston and spent the first 14 years of his life there but later moved with his parents to San Augustine, Tx to begin his high school years where he played varsity football #63.  He was voted most dependable of the San Augustine High School Senior Class of 1979.

Following High School he went to work for the Forestry Service where he was instrumental in cutting fire breaks with a bulldozer, identifying trees suffering from insect infestations and determining board foot yields of certain tree species.  He was a "natural" due to his having lived in a veritable forest. He worked with the Forestry Service just long enough to know he wanted to expand his opportunities by acquiring a college degree.  He enrolled at Angelina Junior College in Lufkin where he began pursuing a Business Administration degree.  Following graduation from Angelina Junior College he transferred his transcript to Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX where he continued his studies and graduated on December 19, 1987, having achieved his Batchelor of Business Administration degree in Management. 

Although he held a B.B.A. degree, Buddy chose to take a position with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice at the newly constructed Terrell Unit later renamed Allan B. Polunsky Unit in Livingston, Texas where his co-workers nicknamed him "Griff" because he didn't want to be known as a "Buddy" to any of the inmates. He served as a correctional officer and perimeter watch until his retirement.

Buddy's lifelong passion for hunting, fishing, playing 42 (dominos), poker and firearm collecting were apparent in his many adventures and subsequent stories for years to come.

His profound Christian faith never waned which led him to being baptized at the Church of the Lake in Livingston, TX.

Buddy is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Clarice Griffis.  He is survived by his sisters Bobbie Robertson, Janet Sides, Juanell Blais and brother-in-law James Blais and sister Cheryl Maddox and brother-in-law Jim Maddox as well as nieces and nephews Brian Sides, Heather Borski, Jon Blais, Chauncy Ford and Kelly Reder and numerous cousins of the Maddox, Allen & Ureke families whose untimely loss is now Heaven's gain. 

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in the Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel, 316 West Columbia Street in San Augustine. 

Officiating will be Jeff Boyd. 

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