Dr. Carl Lewis Griffis
April 28, 1940 – October 31, 2014

Life Legacy

Dr. Carl Lewis Griffis passed away on October 31, 2014 at age 74. He was born in Little Rock, AR to Charles Howell and Evoda Belle Gardner Griffis. Carl attended Little Rock Central High, and graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1968 with a PhD in Engineering. A beloved University of Arkansas Professor for 43 years in the Biological and Agricultural Engineering department, Dr. Griffis loved his job as a researcher, with projects focusing on computers and electronic applications in agriculture, food safety and process engineering, and waste management. He also served as department head.
A favorite teacher, Dr. Griffis received outstanding teaching awards nine times during his tenure. A cherished mentor, Carl’s legacy includes the many students and colleagues whose lives he influenced with his wisdom, kindness, compassion and enthusiasm. He retired from teaching in 2011, but continued assisting the department as a Professor Emeritus for the next 3 years. Carl was also an avid music listener and a lover of sports cars.
He is remembered by his wife, Barbara Jo Norman Griffis, a sister, Joanna Mosley (husband Guy), and brother, Leland (Bill) Griffis. His four children: Pepper Smith (husband Nicky), Adrian (wife Julie), Kelly (husband Lindsey) and Melodie Griffis. And, his five grandchildren: Ian Smith, Olivia and Corbin Griffis, and Tamara and Natalie Bradshaw.
There will be a gathering to pay tribute to Dr. Griffis on November 18, at 5pm in the John White Jr. Engineering Hall Room 209 on the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Campus.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in memory of Dr. Carl L. Griffis, made payable to U of A Foundation, Inc. sent to Biological and Agricultural Engineering Dept, John White Jr. Engineering Hall Room 203, Fayetteville, AR 72701.