Griffith

Stephen Rex Griffith, known to all as Rex, embarked on his final motorcycle ride across the celestial highways on Jan. 16, 2024.

Born on Sept. 6, 1957, in Beaumont, Rex was the man who could light up a room with his air guitar solos and a voice that made music wherever he went. La Grange will remember the day it lost one of its most spirited voices. Rex was a man who lived by the philosophy, “Life’s hard. It’s even harder when you’re stupid,” a line delivered by none other than the sharp-witted John Wayne.

True to this saying, Rex navigated life with a blend of wisdom and humor that endeared him to all. His laughter was infectious, his advice was priceless, and his passion for life was evident to anyone who crossed his path.

Before Rex took his final bow, he spent over two decades at the La Grange H-E-B, where he wasn’t just an employee but a beloved character. He was the unofficial mayor of the aisles, always ready with a joke or a helping hand. His colleagues weren’t just coworkers; they were part of his extended family, a group of people who shared his love for a good laugh and a well-timed punchline.

Rex was preceded in death by his father, John Allen Griffith Sr., and stepfather, Johnny Baker.

He is survived by his mother, Virginia Baker. His older brother, John Allen Griffith Jr., and older sisters, Bethie Neil McClendan and Linda Georgas, will miss his impromptu serenades and armchair philosophies. Bob McCleandan and Carey Georgas, his brothers- in-law, and Kathy Griffith, his sister-in-law, will forever cherish the memories of Rex’s larger-than-life personality. His daughters, Brenda, Hannah, and Lindsey, have inherited his zest for life. They, along with his grandchildren, who were his proudest accomplishments, Waylon, Aurora, Gabby, and Frances, will carry on his legacy of joy and music. And let’s not forget Max, his beloved dog, who was the ultimate roadie on many of Rex’s adventures.

Rex’s love for life was matched by his love for the outdoors and music. He was an avid fisherman, a hunter of squirrels, and a motorcycle enthusiast who believed that a day on two wheels was a day well spent. But more than anything, Rex was a maestro of the air guitar and a good rock classic. Rex could be unconventional but didn’t care, and always treated people with dignity and never met a stranger. As a result he lived a life that was successful on his terms, was loved by his family and made friends wherever he went.

He was great with nicknames and never came up with one that didn’t fit. As a man who lived every day to the fullest, Rex was the embodiment of love, wisdom, and passion. He was the dad who taught his daughters to face life head-on and with a sense of humor. Rex was the kind of man who knew that life wasn’t about waiting for the storm to pass but about learning to dance in the rain.

In honor of Rex’s love for laughter, let’s leave you with a quote from the great Groucho Marx, “I intend to live forever, or die trying.” Rex may have taken his final curtain call, but the echoes of his laughter and the strum of his air guitar will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved him. Rex’s life was a symphony of joy, laughter, and music, and though the final note has been played, the melody lingers on. Ride on, Rex, until we meet again at that great gig in the sky.

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor the life Rex lived on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations in La Grange.

Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals. com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations in La Grange.