Billy Nicholas McGriff, 90, of Mabank, passed away peacefully at his home on March 16, 2017.  A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, March 23, 2017 at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery (Lane C).  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake.

Billy was born November 30, 1926 in Columbia Alabama to John Curtis McGriff and Signa Reinhold.  Bill’s father owned a grocery store and was a butcher while his mother cared for the home, garden and their many children.  Growing up in Alabama, Bill worked hard and was quick to tell you he picked cotton at a young age alongside field hands.  Following the death of his father, his family moved to Dallas where he worked as a grocery delivery boy and later as a machinist.

Bill proudly served in the U.S. Army as a Corporal during WWII and as a Sargent First Class in the Korean War.  Later, he continued his career as a machinist and then worked at Gentry Supply Company where he retired. 

Bill single-handedly raised his two children and always put them first.  To them - he will always be their hero.

Once retired, he built his retirement home in Wills Point where he lived for years and later resided in Mabank with his son.  Bill knew how to appreciate life, he loved going to Vegas and “to the boats” in Shreveport with friends. He especially enjoyed spending time with his many friends at both the West Tawakoni VFW and American Legion.  On warm afternoons, he looked forward to sitting outside and visiting with his good friend and neighbor Robbie.  Bill never turned down an opportunity to share a cold beer with a friend. 

Bill loved deer hunting, fishing, spending time outdoors and telling a few of his many jokes.  An avid dog lover, he always had a friend by his side. 

Billy was preceded in death by his parents and all of his 8 brothers and sisters and many friends. He is survived by his son, Mike McGriff, daughter and son-in-law Lisa and John Hollingsworth, two grandsons John Hollingsworth III and Nicholas Hollingsworth as well as nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give heartfelt thanks to Bill’s two caregivers. Both Sue and Debi filled his final months with friendship, caring and love.

Bill did everything with humor and style that will never be forgotten.  He had many sayings but the one he used the most kept life’s ups and downs in perspective, “So Be It”.  He will be missed by many.

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