William Jeter Griggs, of Rio Grande City, Texas passed away peacefully on May 13 ^th , 2021 with his two children by his side: Lisa Griggs Hughes and William Jeter Griggs III.

William was born on January 25 ^th , 1949 to Maria Griggs and William Jeter Griggs Sr. in Rio Grande City Texas.

William was the embodiment of love, forgiveness and kindness.  He was a gentle, beautiful soul who always had a smile on his face and never met a stranger.  He grew up in the valley, playing shortstop throughout his youth and through high school. He was the youngest of four children and was the apple of his mother's eye.  His mother endearingly referred to him as "darling".  He loved his sister and looked up to his oldest brothers, Peter & Joe.

William met Rebecca Elizabeth Padilla (The new girl from California) in May of 1967 when she moved with her family to Rio Grande City, where her father, Gilbert Padilla was organizing farm workers in pursuit of civil rights.  William was immediately smitten and pursued her strongly.  She said no to him many times.  However, after revving his purple charger up and down her street, where my grandparents were entertaining Ted Kennedy, she finally said yes. True story.  They married in September, 1967. He joined the United Farm Workers Movement in 1968. He campaigned for farm workers civil rights with his wife, Rebecca, through the early 70's.

After graduating high school, William went on to become a health inspector for the State of Texas and eventually the United States government.

He was an amazing father, who doted on his two children. He coached his daughter's, Lisa's soccer team for many years and spent a lot of time with his son Billy, at the batting cages, basketball court and soccer field. Not a day went by without kissing & hugging his children, telling them he loved them. He was a very present father, never missing a game, award ceremony or school event.  He was an equally amazing grandfather and absolutely adored his grandchildren & great grandchildren. His love for his family emanated from every inch of his being.

William and Rebecca divorced in 2000 but remained very close, spoke frequently and always presented a united front with their two children.  He also remained close to Rebecca's siblings" Martha, Thomas, Yolanda, Jenny, James, Sherry and Adelita.

William retired from his government job in 2011.  He spent his days doing home improvement jobs for everyone in his family, including his children, sisters-in-law, grandchildren and nieces and nephew.

His true joy and happiness came from spending time with his grandchildren: Joshua, Nicholas, Julian, Ethan and Liam AND his great children: Alyssa and Drew.

He is preceded in death by his father, William Jeter Griggs Sr. and his mother, Maria Garcia.

His is survived by his brother Peter Griggs and wife Connie, his brother Joseph Griggs and wife, Juanita his sister, Marie Griggs.  His children Lisa Griggs Hughes and her husband Gerald Patrick Hughes, son William Jeter Griggs III (Billy) and his fiancé Krystle Palomo.  His grandson Joshua Esquivel and wife Noemi, his grandson, Nicholas William Griggs Laug, grandson Julian Griggs and fiancé Destiny Flores, grandson Ethan Griggs Laug and grandson Liam Griggs Hughes. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He will lovingly be remembered as "Pica", which his oldest grandson Joshua starting calling since he the moment he started talking.

We love you Pica and will remember your loving heart, kind soul and smile.

FUNERAL SERVICES

Visitation will begin on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 3:00 PM at Jeter and Son Funeral Home Chapel with the Rosary to be recited at 5:00 PM.  Funeral Service will begin on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Jeter and Son Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment will follow at a later date.  Services will conclude in our chapel.

In following COVID regulations, the funeral home does require everyone in attendance to wear a mask and practice social distancing.