Garcia L. "Mistoe" Griffin

Garcia L. "Mistoe" Griffin, 93, of Conway, Ark. passed away Aug. 22, 2014. He was born on Jan. 15, 1921 in Bernie, Mo., to the late Herlie and Viola Griffin. Mistoe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a deacon and member of Second Baptist Church, an avid sportsman, pilot, and WWII veteran. Mistoe met Marie Lane while stationed at Camp Robinson and they were married for 68 years until her death in 2009. His aviation career began at Cantrell Field, first as a mechanic and later as a pilot and instructor. He was passionate about flying and spent a lifetime piloting various types of aircraft ranging from crop dusters to corporate jets. His flying career included 27 years as a corporate pilot for Ward Bus Company in Conway. Mistoe's stellar reputation as a pilot was recognized at age 90 when he was presented the Department of Transportation's prestigious FAA Master Pilot Award recognizing 50 years of accident-free piloting. When he wasn't flying, Mistoe could be found in the woods or on a lake, hunting and fishing and making countless memories with family and friends. More important to him than his career and hobbies, however, was Mistoe's Christianity. He was a Godly man of great and steadfast faith, who, as the patriarch of his large family, led by example. Some of his proudest moments were witnessing the baptisms of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, most at Second Baptist, the church he held so dear. He was a humble, honest, kind, loving and compassionate man who lived a colorful life, long in years and rich in wisdom and experience. He is also preceded in death by his daughter, Jeannie Stanton; and a granddaughter, Laura Stanton, both of Conway, Ark. Left to cherish Mistoe's legacy of faith and love are his children, Kent Griffin and wife Jan, Peggy Bailey and husband Kenneth, Gayle Austin and husband Glenn; son-in-law, Gary Stanton; grandchildren, Shelly Moon and husband Pat, Gray Wagnon and husband Stoney, Hunter Austin and wife Ambra, and Valerie Henderson; great-grandchildren, Wes and Maegan Mathis, Tripp and Griff Wagnon, Hadleigh and Ethan Austin, and Kyle Henderson, all of Conway; one sister, Martha Fowler of Poplar Bluff, Mo.; sister-in-law, Pat Miller, of Conway; and a host of other family and friends. Funeral Services will be Monday, Aug. 25, 2014 at 3p.m. at Second Baptist Church on Dave Ward Dr. with Brothers Mark Dance and Clyde Spurgin officiating. Burial will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Conway. Visitation will be held from 2-3 p.m. at the church prior to the service. Kent Griffin, Glenn Austin, Kenneth Bailey, Gary Stanton, Wes Mathis, and Frank Earney will serve as Pallbearers. In lieu of flowers donation may be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital or to St. Jude. Online guest book, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.