Charles Clifford Griffin

Charles Clifford “Cliff” Griffin, family man, engineer, entrepreneur, builder, old car enthusiast, and eldest of six, died peacefully March 1, 2020 at the age of 92. Cliff was born on October 9, 1927, in Compton, California to Charles Griffin and Eva Burke Griffin. The family later relocated to a small ranch further south. After graduating from Escondido High School, Cliff enlisted in the Army, at the very end of WWII. Cliff then joined the Marine Reserves and was called up to serve in Korea. Cliff drove one of the tanks in the legendary battle at the Chosen Reservoir, managing against great odds to get men and tank to safety. Back at home, Cliff used the GI Bill to receive Electric and Mechanical Engineering degrees from San Diego State College, where Cliff fell in love with Billye Stockdale while assisting her sorority with the building of a float. The two married and had four children, three girls and a boy, that they raised on a small farm in Lakeside. Cliff had a successful career as one of the founders of Conic Corporation, as a contractor for residential and commercial construction, and as an investor in real estate. Cliff was proud of Conic‘s small role in the moon landing. Cliff and Billye welcomed family and friends of all ages into their home, and Cliff remained the beloved patriarch of his extended family until the end.

Cliff is survived by his children, Nancy Woodall (and husband Nick), Gregory Griffin, Judy Griffin-Carew, and Meg Kirk; grandchildren Katherine Simonitch (and husband Lucas), Thomas Woodall, Stephen Woodall, Jonathan Woodall, Erika Carew, Jenny Carew, Tori Oakes (and husband Charles), Nick Carew, Matt Carew, Melissa Lewis, Jessica Kirk, Cameron Kirk, and Rebecca Kirk; great grandchildren Owen Simonitch, Lillian Simonitch, Evelyn Simonitch, and Zola Lewis; siblings Thelma Robinson, Eve Dickens, Anna Crews, and Leonard Griffin; his nieces and nephews; and many friends, including those at LakePointe Church and at his wonderful group home. Precious family members who have predeceased him include his wife Billye, his grandson A.J. Kirk, and his sister Summer Murphy.

A Celebration of Life will be held at LakePointe Church on Monday, March 16, from 5 to 7. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Compassion International.