Charles Allen McGriff, III was born July 12, 1946 in Palestine, Texas, son of R.C. and Mollie McGriff.  He graduated from J.D. Davis High School in May 1965 in Irving, Texas.  After graduation he enrolled in Gary Job Corp in San Marcos, Texas.  There he was certified as a truck driver and in electronics.  He also was a corpman leader and a specialist.  He worked for GTE for 15 years, SCM Allied Denison for 18 years before closing, Johnson & Johnson for 10 years before closing, and retired from Kaiser after 8 years.  He loved working on cars and meeting people.  If you ever met him, you left knowing or felt you knew him all your life.
After meetin Jacqueline Tatum in 1974, he knew then she was for him.  He had a twinkle in his eyes or that extra heartbeat.  He affectionately called her his "Better Half."  To this union, Charles says that his children were his pride and joy. His son, Charles McGriff, IV and Courtney McGriff (Heather); his daughter, Dr. Shonetaye (Raedawn) Joseph and husband, Tony, of Houston, Texas.  His proudest moment was the birth of 6 grandsons, Trevor, Ethan, Matthew, Caelon, Tristin and Jordan.
Charles was a devoted member of St. Emmanuel Church of God in Christ.  He served as a deacon, tribe leader, the Brotherhood and the Ione, and the male only choir.
Charles received a call on September 1, 2021 that his work was done on earth and it was time to come home.  He leaves his cherished wife, Jackie; sons, Charles IV amd Courtney; daughter, Dr. Shonetaye Joseph; sister, Addie Majors of Grand Prairie, Texas; brothers, Olester (Wayne) and Gary McGriff and wife, Shirley; and Luther Steadman, all of Grand Prairie, Texas; his St. Emmanuel Church family along with a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends who loved and cherished him dearly.
The funeral service was held Saturday morning, September 4, 2021 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Denison, Texas.  Officiant was Elder Larry Polk and Rev. Alton Blakely was Host Pastor.  Burial followed at Cedarlawn Memorial Park.  Those attending, please wear a face mask.  Arrangements were entrusted to James E. Smith and the professionals of Waldo Funeral Home. - - - Waldo Funeral Home