Robert Lee Griffitts

Robert Lee Griffitts Jr. passed peacefully from this life, into eternal life, to be with his beloved wife, on Saturday, July 17, 2021.

He was born in Lenoir City, Tennessee on September 12, 1928. To have lived such an adventurous life was truly a blessing.

Bob celebrated 70 wonderful years of marriage to Dora Dean McCroskey.

He was a loving, kind, generous, and supportive father to his proud son, Robert Mac Griffitts and his grateful daughter Rebecca Ann Griffitts James. He loved his daughter in law Katherine Campbell Griffitts and his son in law William David James, as his own.

“Granny & Papa” captured the hearts of their grandchildren, Christopher Justin Griffitts, Stacey Lynn Griffitts Langford and Casey Lee James. His great grandchildren, Collin Mac Griffitts, Kaitlyn Camryn Langford, Addysann Faith Langford and Coleman Robert Langford will forever cherish their time spent with Granny & Papa.

Bob was a true gentleman. He took care of family and friends like no other. He had a truly giving soul.

Bob could make even a bad joke, funny. He always had a sense of adventure and really knew how to enjoy life to the fullest.

Robert retired from the United States Air Force after 20 years. He served during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War. He was an aircraft maintenance supervisor, responsible for B-52 missions.

After retiring from the Air Force, he had a second career at Cherokee Aviation, McGhee Tyson Airport, as a licensed FAA Aircraft Mechanic.

Robert was a Master Mason for over 60 years. Robert became a Shriner and participated in many Kerbela Shriners Circus’ and Shriners Parades. 

Bob and his wife, Dean, have always enjoyed collecting classic cars. They were actively involved in the East Tennessee Region Antique Automobile Club of America, where Bob previously served as President. Bob and Dean were charter members of the Smoky Mountain Classic Thunderbird Club, where Bob had served as Vice-President.Bob was also a member of the Shriners Car Club.

His was truly a life well lived. He will be missed by all.

A Family Graveside Memorial Ceremony for Robert and his wife, Dora will be 10 AM, Friday, September 10, 2021 at Magnolia Cemetery.  Arrangements entrusted to Dotson Funeral Home, Wildwood.  (865-984-5959)  www.dotsonfuneralhome.com

Dora Dean (McCroskey) Griffitts, age 88, passed away on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at UT Medical Center. Dora Dean was the beloved wife of Robert Lee Griffitts, Jr. They celebrated 70 years of marriage on December 29, 2020.

Born in Sevierville, Tennessee, she was the daughter of John and Melissa McCroskey. She graduated from Porter High School, where she played on the winning Porter Panthers basketball team. She was retired from the University of Tennessee.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, gardening and traveling. She played in the Tennessee Senior Olympics basketball tournament. She will be remembered for her enduring love of family and her colorful personality.

She and her husband belonged to and participated in 3 different local antique car clubs, one of which they were charter members.

She is survived by her loving husband, Robert Lee Griffitts, Jr.; their son Robert Mac Griffitts and his wife Kathy; their daughter Rebecca Ann (Griffitts) James and her husband David.

Dora Dean was adored and cherished as “Granny” to her 3 grandchildren, Christopher Justin Griffitts, Stacey Griffitts Langford and Casey Lee James. “Granny” was much loved by her 4 great-grandhildren Collin Mac Griffitts, Kaitlyn Camryn Langford, Addysann Faith Langford and Coleman Robert Langford.

Loved and missed and always dear,

Don’t cry for me, I’m always near.

I am the snowflake that kisses your nose,

I am the mist on the morning rose.

I am the bird up in the sky,

I am the cloud that’s drifting by.

I am the river as it flows,

I am the moonbeams as they glow.

I am the laughter in the room,

I am the love in every bloom.

Loved and missed and always dear,

Don’t cry for me, I’m always near.

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