"Griffin Smith, 87, died last night at his home on Scott Street after a lingering illness. Funeral services will be held at 3 o'clock this afternoon at the Fort Ogden Baptist Church with the Rev. Leroy Crider of the Second Baptist church officiating. Lawrence A. Powell is in charge of arrangements." 

"Active pallbearers are E. E. Edenfield, D. M. Ramsey, L. L. DeWalt, Carl Wilson, Austin Allen and J. C. Foshee. Honorary pallbearers will be J. L. Williams, Fred Lanier, Sam Smith, Arthur Smith, William Smith and Elois Williams." 

"Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Meridian Smith; three daughters, Mrs. Luther Austin of Labelle, Mrs. H. Lee Pylant of Fort Meade and Mrs. Tavy O. Bryan of Miami; four sons, Jesse Smith of Bell, Florida, J. C. Smith of Lake Placid, L. S. Smith of Tampa and Roland S. Smith of Immokalee; 27 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren." 

"Mr. Smith was a pioneer citizen of South Florida. He was born in Desoto County, moved to Polk County where he resided for 20 years, and moved to Fort Myers 13 years ago."