Sam Houston Griffith

Sam Houston Griffith of Rosenberg, TX died Monday, January 18, 2010. After courageously fighting Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma for many years, 96-year-old Sam was proud to be one of Rosenberg's oldest citizens & Dr. Conlon's longest surviving cancer patient. Sam was born in Simmons, TX on May 22, 1913 to George and Lillie Schultz Griffith. He grew up in Fayette County before moving to Rosenberg in the 1930's. He married Rosalie Gernand of Ashwood, TX on October 19, 1941 in Richmond, TX. Sam passed away January 18, 2010 in Needville. Sam worked for the Civilian Conservation Corp of the WPA during the 1930's & played piano & bass fiddle in the Rosenberg Playboys. During World War II, Sam & Rosalie worked for Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corp. in San Diego, CA. transferring to Ft. Worth, TX at the end of the war. In 1956, Sam accepted a position with Hurricane Steel Industries in Houston & moved his family to Rosenberg, TX. Sam was one of the first commuters on the Katy Freeway & traveled the country as his area of management expanded throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. When Sam retired, he began a new career as an avid gardener and orator, providing vegetables, fruits, jokes, stories, and musical entertainment for his ever-expanding family. Sam enjoyed his 96th birthday singing & dancing at nephew Jack Cernosek's Post Oak Inn in La Grange, TX. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, January 22, 2010 at Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home in Rosenberg, officiated by Dr. Donnie Melton. Viewing & visitation will be from 5:00 PM. Until 8:00 P.M., Thursday, January 21, 2010 in the State Room of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home in Rosenberg. Honorary Pallbearers will be all of his grandchildren. Sam was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-four years, Rosalie Gernand Griffith, grandson Grant Griffith, parents George & Lillie Schultz Griffith, sisters Daisy Cernosek Stancik, Lorine Griffith, & Jewel Powell, and his brother & best friend, Bill Griffith. Survivors include his children Tim & Linda Griffith, Tom & Cheryl Griffith, Carolyn & John Connolly, Pam & John Marek, Debbie & Bill Hauger, Doug & Robin Griffith; grandchildren Chuck, Byron, Lane, Michael, Phillip, Robby, Jeff, and Shannon Griffith; Sean, Ryan, and Chris Connolly; Sandy San Filipo, Robin Magill, Carly Talamantes, Kenny & John Montgomery, and Lisa Lopez; 13 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and members of the "Triumphs" family who gave Sam great joy in his life. The family thanks sister, Pam for helping our father with his last journey in life. Also, thanks to Maria Saenz and Dora Evans, Susie Hernandez, the staff of Needville's SPJST Rest Home, and Joe Hochman of Houston Hospice for their gentle care & kindness. Condolences or words of tribute may be left for the Griffth family at www.davisgreenlawnfh.com.

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Sam Houston Griffith

May 22, 1913 - January 18, 2010