Updated 7-14-20 at 10:04 a.m.
CULLMAN, Ala. – One of Cullman’s most prominent and beloved businessmen, Bertis E. McGriff, passed away Saturday afternoon, July 11 at his home of natural causes. McGriff, a World War II veteran who founded McGriff Tire Company and Terri Pines Country Club and was a member of Cullman’s “Flying 50,” was 94 years old.
There will be no visitation, but funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 14 at 11 a.m. at Desperation Church. According to his obituary, “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family is concerned for your health and safety. Working with limited seating capabilities, those that would like to participate without being present, please go to DesperationChurch.tv, Facebook Desperation Church or YouTube Desperation Church. Burial will follow the service at Cullman City Cemetery. Moss Service Funeral Home directing.”
McGriff was born in Cullman March 31, 1926 to Lonnie and Bell McGriff and was married to the late Berta Mae Holmes McGriff for 63 years.
He was a farmer until he joined the U.S. Armed Forces in 1942. He served in World War II and received the Purple Heart. In 1948, he began working for the Shell Oil Company, and after being given a management opportunity began building McGriff Tire Company, Inc. McGriff’s company employs more than 380 people today.
“Mr. McGriff was a pillar of our community and his leadership and enthusiasm will be missed. Sadly, we are all saying goodbye to another veteran of World War II and a member of the Greatest Generation to be sure,” said Ken Brown, colonel, USAF (RET).
McGriff was a member of the “Flying 50,” a group of Cullman businessmen involved in bringing new businesses and jobs to Cullman. He was a partner in building the first Cullman Shopping Center. He was a founding member of the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce. In 1980, he developed and opened Terri Pines Country Club.
“Mr. McGriff was a great man,” said Cullman County Commission Chairman Kenneth Walker. “He loved Cullman County, he loved his family, he loved his friends and his golf. He helped bring a lot of jobs to Cullman and the state of Alabama and the southeastern United States. We will all miss him riding around Terri Pines on his golf cart.”
“Everyone who knew Bert knew he was a remarkable man. From his brave service to our country during World War II, to his many contributions to Cullman as a businessman and communitarian, to his dedication to his family, Bert has left behind a legacy of love, leadership and service. He will be greatly missed, but always remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends,” said Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs.
“The loss of Mr. Bert’s leadership will be profoundly felt by the Cullman community. A true Southern gentleman of integrity, wisdom, and greatness. A longtime supporter of the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce, and all things Cullman,” Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce Interim President and CEO Peggy Smith said. “His death has left a gaping hole among the ranks of leaders in Cullman. Never too busy to stop and share a kind word or hug. He will be deeply missed by each of us who knew and loved him.”
“Wallace State mourns the loss of Bert McGriff, who had an indelible impact on our community. His contributions as a prominent business leader and his involvement with the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce have helped to make Cullman prosperous. It was his service during World War II, however, that brought him to campus most frequently in recent years, with his daughter and our instructor Terri McGriff Waldrop arranging for him to share first-hand accounts of that experience with our students. He also had an indelible impact on our students, and we are forever grateful,” said Wallace State Community College President Dr. Vicki Karolewics.
Click here to see Mr. McGriff’s full obituary.
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