Bennie McGriff Program

Bennie Leon McGriff, Sr., cherished and devoted member of his family and community, passed away at his home early Wednesday morning, May 22, 2024, at 3:00 a.m. He was born on September 24, 1949, in Goodlow Park, Texas, to Bishop Harvest D. McGriff, Sr., and Evangelist Lottie D. McGriff, as the fifth child in a family of eleven children. Their parents instilled in them the value of always being a loving and supportive family for one another Bennie was married to Darlene Taylor from 1969 to 1981, and they had three children together: Bennie Leon McGriff, Jr., Johnny Wayne McGriff, and LaShaundra Dion McGriff. In 1984, he married Delano McGraw, who remained his wife until his death. They had four children together: Tina KaTrice McGriff, Tarralyn DeShaune McGriff, Harvest De McGriff, and Debenne Sharde’ McGriff. God was gracious and allowed Bennie and Delano to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary this April. Bennie was a family man who provided for his family as a father should. He was there whenever they needed him, offering his help, love, and wisdom. He also loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and they loved him dearly as well. After suffering a serious stroke on December 16, 2019, Bennie's indomitable spirit and faith saw him through a remarkable recovery. With the support of his brother Charles, Bennie regained his ability to pray on his knees, as practiced in our church, demonstrating his resilience and unwavering faith. A devoted member of the Church of the Living God, Pillar and Ground of the Truth, Bennie committed his life to the church at the tender age of six, learning and sharing its unwavering doctrine. He remained a faithful member until his passing. Bennie, along with other church members, built the original church at 1718 E. Overton Road. After the church burned in the early 1990s, Bennie, along with others, played an integral role in its rebuilding and remodeling. Bennie began his education in an inconceivable manner compared to any of his siblings. Bennie's parents were eager for him to start school and did not want a few days to prevent him from attending first grade due to his birthdate. At that time, children born after September 1st were not allowed to attend public school. To bypass this, his parents enrolled Bennie in the nearest school that accepted early admissions, St. Michael, Heart of Mary Catholic School. Bennie often told funny stories about the nuns hitting his hands with a ruler. We wonder why! There, he completed first and second grade. After attending Catholic school, he attended 3rd grade through high school at Melissa M. Pierce Elementary/High School in the community of Joppa, Dallas, Texas, in the Wilmer Hutchins Independent School District (WHISD). There, he had many friends he grew to love. Once John F. Kennedy High School was built in the WHISD, he attended and graduated in 1967, where he met even more wonderful people. After high school, Bennie completed his education at Academy Barber College, where he became a licensed barber and kept that certification until his death. While Bennie worked as a barber, he also worked at various neighborhood jobs, one being a taxicab driver. Later, he became a full-time employee at Union Pacific Railroad. After a few years of dedicated service, he worked himself up to the position of foreman, with several men under his leadership. He retired from the Union Pacific Railroad when he was 54 years old. During Bennie’s tenure at Union Pacific Railroad, he also gained business and investment knowledge from his father. A quick learner, Bennie became an entrepreneur, owning various businesses throughout his lifetime. With the Lord's guidance, he and his father invested in multiple rental properties. Bennie owned two “McGriff’s Furniture Stores,” one on Marsalis Ave. and another on Lancaster Road. Additionally, he owned “Bennie’s Automotive Repair Shop and Car Lot” on Lancaster Road, “McGriff’s Beer and Wine Store” on Marsalis Ave., and two beauty and barber shops located on Lancaster Road and Marsalis Ave., all in Dallas, Texas. With an entrepreneurial spirit, Bennie returned to his birthplace of Goodlow Park, Texas. There he built and yet owns several rental properties, as well as “Goodlow Liquor, Beer & Wine and Convenience” store. Despite the prevailing prejudices in Goodlow, he ran for the office of Mayor. Needless to say, he did not win the position. A short distance from Goodlow Park, he ventured into Kerens, Texas, where he owns, “Bennie’s Auto Sales,” “Mac’s Motel,” “Mac’s Diner,” and “Mac’s Washeteria/Laundromat.” Additionally, wanting to help the less fortunate, he purchased a large home in Kerens that housed foster children. Bennie was Life Reflections of B ENNIE L EON M C G RIFF S R .