Paul Gardette Griffith Sr., 90, of Mt. Ida died on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Hot Springs.

He was born Dec. 12, 1915, in Greenway, the son of the late Samuel Kenneth Griffith and Cora Malone Griffith.

Griffith was a long-time member and deacon of the First Baptist Churches in Piggott and Mt. Ida. He was one of the original co-owners of the Home For The Golden Years in Piggott and Paragould.

Mr. Griffith was a former president of the Arkansas Nursing Home Association and at one time served as Mayor of the City of Piggott.

After moving to Mt. Ida in the early 70's, Griffith became the local Chamber of Commerce Coordinator and was instrumental in founding the Quartz Crystal Festival and Charlie Weaver Days.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Neva Winton Griffith; and two brothers, Earl and Kelsey Griffith.

He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Josephine Griffith; two sons, Paul G. Griffith Jr. of Memphis and Richard M. Griffith of Paragould; two daughters, Nancy Hardcastle of Piggott and Becky Sater of Memphis; three stepchildren, Bill Jackson of Mt. Ida, Lisa Simpson and Teresa Osburn, both of Pearcy; 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2006, at the First Baptist Church in Mt. Ida with Bro. John Guera and Bro. Don Jones officiating. Burial followed at Mt. Ida Cemetery.