Charles "Buddy" Griggs

Charles Leonard Griggs (Buddy) age 94 passed away peacefully at St. Simeon's Community on September 4, 2024 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Buddy was born June 24, 1930, at Skiatook, Oklahoma to Theodore and Anna Fletcher Griggs. Buddy lost his parents at a young age and was raised in Skiatook by several families who took him in. He graduated from Skiatook High School in 1949. After graduation Buddy enlisted in the Army and served in the 72nd D Tank Battalion and 2 D Infantry Division. Buddy was sited for extra ordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty against an armed enemy in Yangban, Korea, as well as Changnon, Korea during the period August 31- September 1950. Buddy was awarded the Korean Service Medal with 5 Bronze Service Stars, Korean Pres Citation, UN Service Medal, and Pres Unit Citation.

When Buddy returned home, he was stationed at Fort Sam Houston, Texas and was honorably discharged from active service August 22, 1952. Buddy continued to serve his country through volunteer work at Ernest Childers VA Medical Center in Tulsa for 15 years.

Buddy lived a full and happy life and served his country with pride. He was a very successful oilman that worked in the oilfields and owned a consulting business and traveled the world as well as an educator of young oilmen at the college level. As a young man Buddy rode bulls and worked with a local stock contractor. In retirement he enjoyed going to coffee, visiting with friends and always telling a story or two, and some jokes we don't talk about.

Buddy married Margaret Judith Currey and had 2 children Charla Esther (Griggs) Amos from Desoto, Texas and Keith Charles Griggs and wife Debbie from Huntsville, Texas.

Grandchildren Autum Ladawn Tewes, Kevin Tewes, and great granddaughter Samantha Presley Tewes.

Buddy remarried Betty (Black) Herring, September 30, 2006.

Buddy is preceded in death by his siblings, Eddie, Theadore, Barbara, Ruth, Esther and stepson Johnny Herring.

Living siblings Leon Remey and Jack Remey and nephew Lynn Bollinger and cousin Don Moyer of Tulsa, Oklahoma. 7 stepchildren Gary Colvin, Carol Johnson and husband Scott, Jimmy Herring, and Joyce Beene and husband John, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Buddy was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Skiatook and also attended First Baptist Church of Vera.

Scott and Carol cared for Buddy the last 4 years of his life. He lived in their home after the house fire and then beside them in a trailer they bought for him, he moved to St. Simeon's when he needed constant professional care. He was the life of the party at St. Simeon's, always enjoyed the activities and especially the horse races and bingo winning all those candy bars. Dancing with the aid and anyone who would stand and take his hand.

He lived a happy carefree life, always ready to make one laugh at his expense or yours.

Buddy will be greatly missed by his family and friends.