Bennie McGriff Program

featured in “The Kerens Tribune,” Vol. 114 No. 8, on February 23, 2006, as being the first owner of a motel in Kerens, Texas. Simultaneously, not too far from Kerens, he branched out into Corsicana, Texas. There he also purchased additional rental properties and owned a second “Mac’s Beer & Wine and Convenience” store. As a loving individual, Bennie seldom missed an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments and special days of his family, friends, and church. He loved people and had a big heart helping all whom he could. Bennie exhibited a great love for church and family. He rarely missed a Church service or its events. Even up to his final days, he attended the Church’s Annual Yard Sale that Saturday (which he said was fun) and Church Worship Service on Sunday before his passing. He did not want to miss anything and never let his strokes discourage or slow him down. He was always on the move. He kept himself moving and driving, which strengthened and sharpened his mind and mobility. He cherished life, remaining realistic about the number of days the Lord promised. Up until the very end, he enjoyed the many blessings that the Lord afforded him. Bennie was an unselfish person and was loved and respected by many outside of his family as well. As a young man, Bennie and his friends were avid baseball players. They successfully played against many leagues. He was also a car enthusiast and purchased every type he thought he wanted. He particularly loved fast cars. As teenagers, he and his brothers often engaged in drag racing on their community streets and highways, despite their parents’ objections. Their father loved cars too. He introduced his sons to many different car types, and they could name every car that passed their home, on the streets and highways, and as they drove. It became a game with Bennie and his siblings to see who could name the most. Like father, Bennie loved car racetracks, which his father often took him and his brothers. They often entered several races, viewing it as a safer place to show off their driving skills. When Bennie and his brothers got older, they created the “#McGriffRacingTeam,” which included their sons, family, and friends. Bennie has accomplished and done so much, that it fully cannot be enumerated in this structured format. In short, Bennie believed in the omnipotence of the Lord. He talked to Him often and never gave up hope. He survived open heart surgery when he was 51 years old and survived the insertion of many stint operations (about 12) and a pacemaker. He was scheduled for a heart procedure days before his demise, but only God knew the date he had set for Bennie to come back home to Him. Bennie understanding that the Lord only promised mankind a lifespan of “three score years and 10, and with reasonable strength longer.” Thus, Bennie prepared for this day by striving to live the life that God would have him live. He also made funeral requests of his immediate family and told his siblings not to

rush him to the grave on this day. So, Charles and family promised to meet his funeral requests for “whenever” this day would come. He told his sister Gaylon that he wanted a lot of songs between his Wake and Funeral, and just last year he asked his sister Addie to write his obituary. Therefore, his family, alongside his remaining three siblings, has tried to fulfill his requests. Bennie knew, as the Bible states, “For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come” (Hebrews 13:14-16), speaking of Heaven and the New Earth (Rev. 21:1-2; 2 Peter 3:13). Bennie recently was preceded in death by his father, Bishop Harvest D. McGriff, Sr. (2005); his mother, Evangelist Lottie D. McGriff (2003); his maternal grandmother, Allie Walton (1999); five brothers: Harvest Duncan McGriff, Jr., (1991), Johnny Wayne McGriff (1999), Bishop Larry Darnell McGriff (2010), B. Bernard McGriff (2012), Weldon L. McGriff (2023); and two sisters Dr. Helen L. Hawkins [husband, David] (2010), Gloria Maxine Robertson [husband, Curtis] (2016), and last but not least his son, Brian King (1996). Bennie is survived by his devoted wife, Delano Sue McGriff; his children: Tina McGriff, Tarralyn Mitchell (husband, Theria), Harvest De McGriff, Debenne McCoy (husband, D’Angelo), Bennie Leon McGriff, Jr., LaShaundra McGriff, Johnny McGriff (wife, Cynetria), Broscy Howard (wife, Shaniqur); his siblings: one brother, Charles E. McGriff; two sisters, Dr. Addie Y. V. Hare (husband, Samuel), Gaylon D. Gowans (husband, Ricardo); 23 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren; a goddaughter, Carrin “Shugg” Owens; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

“Leon”, Bennie, Daddy, Daddy Bennie, as you wave goodbye, know that you will forever be loved and missed!!!