Curtis Eugene Griffin's Obituary
IN REMEMBRANCE
Curtis Eugene Griffin was born January 10, 1953, in Monticello, Arkansas, to Marie Prosper and James Griffin.
Curtis or Eugene, as he was lovingly known, grew up in Hamburg, Arkansas, and was raised by his mother Marie and bonus father Velmar D. Adams. He attended Hamburg High School, where he played high school basketball and football. Shortly after graduating, Curtis established a tree-cutting and logging business. He loved working with his hands and was truly a jack of all trades.
Curtis met and later married Cassie Lee Caldwell of Parkdale, Arkansas, before relocating to Los Angeles, California and later to Oakland, California, where he raised his family.
Throughout the years, Curtis worked in several trades, including certified automotive mechanic, AC Transit bus driver, earth mover, sewer maintenance worker, and recycling driver for Courier Express and Golden State Overnight. He later established C.E. Griffin Installations, specializing in office moving and installations.
Known for his big, beautiful smile, Curtis was liked by all who were blessed to meet him. He was a trusted, loyal, and faithful friend. Affectionately called “my” daddy by his children and “Papa” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Curtis loved spending time with family and friends, barbecuing, hosting holiday and birthday parties, playing poker, and taking road trips. He was also a collector of coins and baseball caps.
An avid fisherman, Curtis enjoyed spending time at fishing holes, rivers, and lakes-catching, cleaning and cooking fish. After a weekend fishing trip, he would cook fresh fish for breakfast, lunch and dinner. He also enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren how to fish.
He was an active member of Masonic Fraternities: Stanley Y. Beverly Masonic Lodge #108, Alooma Temple #212, Veritas Consistory #327 and an active member of Tri Cities Elks Lodge #1662.
Curtis publicly confessed Jesus Christ as his Lord and savior on March 16, 2026, a testament to his faith and heart. On March 23, 2026, he closed his eyes and went to sleep to be with the Lord, transitioning from this life to his eternal home. As the scripture says in Psalms 116:15, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.”
Curtis was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Joyce Marie Miles and Catherine Griffin Smooths; and his favorite uncles, Alonzo Prosper and Willie Griffin.
Curtis leaves to cherish his memories: ex-wife, Cassie Griffin; his son, Cedrick Griffin; his daughters, Karen Lewis, Tamika Griffin, and Nieisha Griffin; his daughter in love, Virginia Kaufman; his brothers, Delton Adams, Michael Adams (Niki), and Ricky Griffin; his grandchildren, Louis Sherman IV, Kandrea McCuin, Audrea McCuin, Daimonie Kaufman, Alonzo Griffin, Daishawn Bates, Cedrick Griffin Jr., Shamonie Griffin, Wilbur Levingston Jr., Jamori Kelly Jr., Idris Moore, Turquoise Kaufman; 10 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
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