Mr. Bertis (Bert) Edward McGriff passed away Saturday, July 11, 2020 at his home of natural causes.
His Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Desperation Church. 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.
Bert, a visionary, was born in Cullman, Alabama March 31, 1926 to Lonnie and Bell McGriff. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife of 63 years, Berta Mae Holmes McGriff.
He is survived by his children Barry (Connie) McGriff, Cherri (Randy) Drake, Jeff (Cindy) McGriff and Terri (Tommy) Waldrop, plus eight grandchildren: Steven Drake, Randall Drake, Patrick Drake, Alex Dann, Warren McGriff, Leah McGriff, Kyle Waldrop and Taylor Ponder. Great-grandchildren include Ashley Drake, Will Drake, Mary Catherine Raines, Jackson Drake, Lillie Smith, River Smith, Charlotte Drake, Crosby Drake, Archer Waldrop, Nolan Waldrop, Jack Ponder and Greer Ponder. He is also survived by sisters Jean Wynn, Betty Jones, Ellen Carroll and brother Curtis (Linda) McGriff.
He worked with his family and father as tenant farmers until he joined the U.S. Armed Forces in 1942. He served during WWII in the Pacific Campaign including the invasion of Okinawa. He received the Purple Heart.
Bert returned to Cullman from service in 1947 and accepted a position with Ingalls Shipping. In 1948 he was offered an opportunity to become an operator for Shell Oil Company… and thus began the building of McGriff… the business.
From 1948 to current, Bert’s company grew under his direction with his philosophy of be fair, work hard, provide excellent customer service and do your best no matter what the job, “because you never know when someone is watching.” This philosophy and his belief of always surrounding himself with strong people has led to what is today – McGriff Tire with 380+ employees with locations throughout Alabama and Tennessee.
Bert was instrumental in the tire industry while serving as charter member of Eldorado Tire Company, serving 12 years Hercules Tire and Rubber Board, and founding member of Alabama Tire Dealers Association.
He had a strong love for Cullman and worked hard to promote his community. He was a member of the “Flying 50s,” a group of Cullman business men 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 Chamber of Commerce. Years ago, he served on the Cullman Hospital Board and was a charter member of the Lions Club. He also served on the board of several banks in Cullman.
In 1980 he developed and opened Terri Pines Country Club with an 18-hole golf course, as well as Southern Pines, a residential development in Cullman.
Bert continued to be involved in the business. On any day you could find him at one of the tire stores, at the office, or on the golf course. Even at his age, he had a sharp eye, always looking for a new project. He loved nothing better than talking with his employees, customers and anyone with whom he came in contact. If you ever asked Bert what his primary duties were, he would answer “the fun stuff… golf, fishing and entertaining customers and friends.”
A selfless man, Bert lived his life helping others. He believed in giving back and lending a helping hand whenever possible. The way he lived his life was a testament of his faith. He forgave freely, he judged no one and befriended everyone. He believed in the salvation promised to believers of Jesus Christ and we take great comfort in knowing he is in heaven. As a family we are sure that dad lived a full life. He received each day as a gift! The family is grateful for all of your prayers and kind words.
A heartfelt thank you to his special friends Stan and Dena Graham and to Becky Lynn for their years of friendship.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to WSCC Future Foundation, Bert McGriff Endowed Scholarship Fund, PO Box 568, Hanceville, AL 35055, www.wsccfuturefoundation.org/funds or to Desperation Church Building Fund, 510 Fifth St. SW, Cullman, AL 35055.
