Griffis Edward James Griffis (Bear) departed life October 12, 2026 at the VA Hospital in Oklahoma City at the age of 74.

Bear was as born on August 31, 1952 as the fifth child of the late Reverend Freddie and Dorothy (Davis) Griffis in Wewoka, Oklahoma. Bear graduated from Wewoka High School in 1970. At an early age he attended St. Joseph Baptist Church where he was very active in the services. He was also a member of St. Stephen Baptist Church where his “daddy” was the founder and pastor. On August 03, 1970, he joined the US Navy and served until September 28, 1972. He worked in various fields: welding, heavy equipment operator, Parks recreations for both OKC and Wewoka Oklahoma, cook at Flying J and TA truck stops where he retired in 2010. Bear loved his family and spending time with them, especially his “grandbabies”. He was very much a proud grandfather! On May 22,1972 he married his “star”, Marvis Laquette Turner. They have two children; daughter Tomeka L. Griffis born August 8, 1971 and is now deceased, son Charles L. Griffis born January 23, 1974 and bonus child Myra R. Jackson.

Bear was preceded in death by his parents Reverend Freddie and Dorothy Griffis, his daughter, Tomeka, siblings Shirley Griffis, Arthur Griffis, Terry Griffis, Freddie (Lil’ Freddie) Griffis, Anthony (Eater) Griffis, Kerry Griffis, Anthony (LM) Griffis, Uncle Bo (Nargie), Uncle BJ and parent-in-laws Earnest Davis (Pauline). He is survived by is loving wife of 54 years, Marvis Griffis of the home, son Charles L. Griffis (Nakesha) of Oklahoma City, three grandchildren: J’nya (Baby Girl), Ramon “Douce” (Chaunta’l), Rhain (Pinky), great grandchild Armani (Itty Bitty), siiblings: James Griffis (Pat) of Norman, Hiwathia Griffis (Ruth) of Oklahoma City, Oliver Banks of Tulsa, Sharon Griffis of Wewoka, cousin/sister Roshanta Thomas (Delbert), brothers and sisters-in-laws; Sandra (Alfred), RD, Buggie (Retha), Bronco, Nicky (Curtis), Diann (Kirk), and Angie (Jeff). Bear was survived by a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Stout Funeral Home Chapel in Wewoka, Oklahoma with Reverend Dr. E. Jennings Tyson of New Hope Baptist Church in Oklahoma City and Midwest City will be officiating.

Internment will follow at Westwood Cemetery in Wewoka, Oklahoma.

Services are under the direction of Stout-Phillips Funeral Home, Wewoka, Oklahoma.