William James Griffing, age 88, of Shelbyville, died on Wednesday, May 4, 2011, in Shelbyville. Born on July 18, 1922, in Manhattan, Kan., he was the son of Ward Clarke and Minnie Grace (Frey) Griffing.
Mr. Griffing received his education first at Manhattan High School, graduating in 1940. He attended Kansas State University where he earned his degree in Veterinary Medicine in 1944. He then married Anna Belle Moore on July 30, 1945, in Plymouth, Ind. Mr. Griffing moved to Bremen, Ind., where he established his veterinary practice. In 1959, he decided to end his successful practice and return to graduate school at Kansas State. During this period from 1959-1963, he earned Masters and Ph.D. degrees in Pathology.
Following his completion of his graduate program, he accepted a position with Eli Lilly and Company as a Veterinary Pathologist in the toxicology division of Lilly’s Greenfield Laboratories. There he pioneered studies for Lilly in electron microscopy. He served in this capacity until his retirement in 1984. In addition to his work in this field, Bill served as a member of the school board, Kiwanis Officer, volunteer for both the American Cancer Society and the United Way, and as leader for church and civic activities.
Surviving him are his wife, Anna B. Griffing of Shelbyville; sons, Jack R. (Patsy) Griffing of N. Charleston, S.C. and Bill (Rosemary) Griffing of Arvada, Colo.; daughters, Beverly (Bob) Gardner of Shelbyville and Jean Madden of Newburgh; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents and a brother, Richard B. Griffing.
A Memorial Service will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 9, 2011, at First Christian Church in Shelbyille. Reverend Nathan Wilson will be officiating. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Erlewein Mortuary of Greenfield.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Kiwanis Scholarship Fund in the name of William J. Griffing, c/o 1484 W. U.S. 40, Greenfield, IN, 46140. Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.erleweinmortuary.com or email condolences to [email protected].
