Hardwood to Homegoing: The Life and Times of "C. J." Griffith, Sr.

Tip-Off

The town of Mount Olive, Mississippi, gained a new resident on January 10, 1933, when Mr. Fred and Mrs. Classie Jane Griffith welcomed their son into the world. The addition of the bundle of joy, they named Charles James, increased the family's number from three to four. Shortly after his birth, the family relocated to Eagle Mills, Arkansas, in search of better opportunities.

1st Quarter

Charles James, affectionately known as C. J. began the foundation of his formal education in Eagle Mills' modest two-room schoolhouse. An early participant in bussing, he later traveled daily to Bearden to attend the Cotton Belt Rosenwald School for secondary level studies. Later, he enrolled at Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical, and Normal College (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff).

While matriculating through Arkansas AM&N, his skill and athleticism as a baseball player secured his membership in the Golden Lions Letter "A" Club. While attending, he answered the call to defend his country by enlisting in the Army and serving during the Korean War era, leading to later enlistment in the Army Reserve. He had a profound twenty-eight (28) year military career, retiring as a Staff Sergeant (SSG).

In 1958, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered the commencement speech to the AM&N class of 233 members, including Mr. Griffith, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education. Never one to let the embers of learning die, he completed graduate-level courses at multiple institutions of higher learning, including Arkansas State University (Jonesboro, AR), Murray State University (Murray, KY), and Stephen F. Austin University (Nacogdoches, TX).

2nd Quarter

C.J. counted being a child of God as one of his life's greatest joys. Introduced to faith as a young child, he gave his life to Christ; and was a lifelong member of the African Methodist Episcopal Faith. His faith aided him in overcoming some of the most unformidable obstacles in life.

He purposely made God a part of his daily life. In the mornings, his family and the sun would find him sitting at the kitchen table with his bible and commentary. At night, the moon would find him kneeling at his bedside for prayer. Until his health no longer permitted him, he faithfully served as a Trustee and Sunday School Superintendent at St. James A.M.E. Church in Eagle Mills.

Half-Time

1958 was a banner year, professionally and personally, for Mr. Griffith. Shortly after graduation, he married the former Mary Elizabeth Williams, the love of his life. The two built a wonderful life and added four children to their union, later adopting a niece. They shared life's ups, downs, joys, and pains in wedded bliss for sixty-two (62) years.

The loving pair attended each other's churches and traversed the world, seeing its various sights and wonders over the years. Mr. Griffith was the most attentive, accommodating, and humble escort, he shared his wife's success and often chauffeured her to her meetings and events. The pair found fulfillment in graciously hosting the Williams-Powell Family Reunion for decades.

3rd Quarter

His decorated on-court career began at Ouachita County High School, where he spent over eleven (11) years as an instructor of (Science and Physical Education) and Basketball Coach. When telling stories about his life, he enthusiastically exclaimed that his "Claim to Fame" came on February 24, 1968. That Saturday night, his Jr. Basketball team won the Arkansas State Class B Junior Boys Championship game at Hampton, AR, by a score of 40-26, beating Dover (an all-White team) – this was before the integration of schools in the Bearden community. By so doing, he became the first Black Head Coach to win a State Championship in Arkansas.

The total integration of schools in Bearden afforded Mr. Griffith the opportunity to teach a wide array of classes such as Health, Science, P.E., and Driver's Education along with coaching both football and basketball. He also served as a school bus driver. In a quiet quest to be a good person on the court and off, he mentored several students and transported team members to practice, games, and home in one of his three station wagons.

After spending more than twelve (12) years at Bearden High School, he completed his storied 28-year career in education at high schools in Mount Holly and Nevada Co., Arkansas School Districts. Even after retirement, he was still referred to as "Coach" by many members of the community.

4th Quarter

Not one to spend time idly riding the pine, the consummate provider also worked as a security guard and school bus driver. As an expression of love for his community, he received his Fireman's Education at Southern Arkansas University Tech (East Camden, AR). He served as a Board Member of the Harmony Grove Fire District #1. He also served as Executive Director of the Eagle Mills Community Cemetery, on the Ouachita County Democratic Central Committee, Fourth Congressional State Committee, and as a member of the American Legion. He and his wife also served as Sherriff of the Valley 2 Election Precinct. His years of dedicated service garnered him awards, including Laymen of the Year, Arkansas Golden Achiever, and Military Honors.

Overtime

Pa C.J., was the nickname given to him by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved and adored them, and never tired of hearing the stories of their academic and athletic feats of excellence. He would encourage them in many ways. He took pride in reading about their accomplishments in the newspaper articles he amassed highlighting their achievements; and ensured that they received gifts on special holidays and birthdays.

As a testament to his remarkable legacy, his grandchildren now have the opportunity to read about him in a children's book entitled "Tell Me About Papa C.J."

Off-Season

Mr. Griffith spent times of respite playing the brackets, enjoying dominoes, listening to B. B. King, and watching sports, but he found solace and refuge, spending countless hours on some of Arkansas' premiere lakes and ponds. A pastime that he encountered year-round and as an avid competitive fisherman, he won many tournaments.

When his health began to insist that he receive 24-hour care, his namesake, Charles Jr., and oldest daughter, Gayle, used the same teamwork principles that he instilled in players on the court and made the necessary sacrifices to ensure that he received it. His sister-in-law, Edith Williams also contributed greatly with caring for him.

The final seconds ticked off life's shot clock for Coach Griffith on October 29, 2022. There to greet him after hearing his "well-done" his parents, Fred and Classie Griffith, sisters, Magdelene Griffith and Earlene Stennis, his niece, Sandra Broadnax, and his loving wife Mary, all of whom preceded him in death. To cherish his legacy, he leaves his five adult children: Gayle V. Hartley of Little Rock, AR, Charles J. (Cheryl) Griffith of LaVergne, TN, Michael L. (Sheila) Griffith of Eagle Mills, AR, Angela R. (Anthony) Newkirk of Katy, TX, and Wendy P. Griffith of Columbia, MO. He was blessed with a lineage of future generations of fifteen (15) grandchildren Jamie, Justin, Stephanie (Rich), Sheena Elizabeth, Shanica, Christy, Fred, Brianna, Garrett, Michaela, Michal, AJ, Myasia, Antonese, and Kyler, and (6) great-grandchildren, Shannon, Cameron, Zuri Elizabeth, Kamden, Royale, and Noble. Brother-in-laws; John (Dell) Williams of Jacksonville, FL, Jimmie (Gloria) Williams of Eagle Mills, AR a sister-in-law, Edith Carolyn Williams of Eagle Mills, AR, and a host of other family members and friends.

The memories of this remarkable man will never fade into oblivion.