Philip Edward Griner, age 89, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2019. He was born in Muncie, Indiana and was married to his dear wife Arlette Reichel Griner of France for 63 years. He was the son of Colonel Romain Griner and Florence McCormick Griner. He grew up in Albany, IN and during the WW II years lived in Lubbock. Texas.

Mr. Griner was a 1951 graduate of Indiana University and served his country in the United States Air Force from 1951-1953 in the 603 AC&W Squadron in Giebelstadt Germany. He continued with close friendships with members of the 603 at annual reunions for many years.

After his military service Mr. Griner was employed by J.C. Penny Company in Lima Ohio for five years and subsequently for the brokerage firms of Thomson & McKinnon and Paine Webber for 41 years with increasing responsibilities in Lima OH, Kenosha WI, North Palm Beach FL, Miami FL, Chicago IL, Indianapolis IN and finally back to Clearwater FL where he retired in 1999.

Always desiring to give back to his communities, he was a member of the Jaycees in Lima OH and president of the Kenosha WI chapter in 1963-1964. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Miami and the Countryside Rotary Club of Clearwater. Lastly he was a member of the Elks Club in Wisconsin. In each of these organizations his desire and focus was on the children, giving them a chance for a better tomorrow.

Mr. Griner had a number of interesting hobbies including his love for ballooning. He was an active balloonist and competing in many events around the midwest. In addition he became an avid boater along the Gulf of Mexico in their Sea Ray cabin cruisers all named “Papillon.” He and his beloved wife Arlette conducted numerous weekend trips to Caladesi Island and the South Seas Plantation in Captiva Island FL.

Traveling was a big part of his life with Arlette of which the highlights were the nearly 2 dozen trips to France seeking out Arlette’s family in Alsace and the Champagne regions of France. These were very special times for Phil and Arlette getting to know intimately the history of her family that were displaced during World War 2.

But beyond the travel, hobbies and civic endeavors, Phil Griner’s main passion and joy was his family who he loved unconditionally. In addition to his beloved wife, Arlette, Phil is survived by his daughter Kimberly Griner-Heinz and her husband Don of Arkdale WI; his son David Griner and his wife Karen of New Port Richey FL, his granddaughters Jessica Griner of Arlington VA and Jennifer Griner Vane of Los Angeles CA. Phil’s 3rd grandchild, Eric Griner Targos of Chicago, who Phil treasured many fishing expeditions with, passed away far too soon at the age of 26 in 2014. He is also survived by his sister Nancy Smith and her husband Burt Smith and his sister in law Gloria Griner all from Indiana.

A private family service will be held at his gravesite in Albany IN.