Clemmie James McGriff
1900-1957
Spouse
Nona Moore McGriff (Woods)
1887-1988
Children
Donald McGriff
Clemmie and Nona McGriff move to FWB in February 1947 with their young son Donald. They lived with Clemmie brother, J. D. McGriff until they built their FWB home. Both Clemmie and his brother J. D. worked as waiters at the Shalimar Club and were part of a team of African American waiters that worked in the FWB and Destin area during the Jim Crow Period. Both were active and loyal members of Beulah First Baptist Church!
Nona was a hair dresser and her shop was attached to their home that they built at 157 Washington Avenue (McGriff Street NE) on three lots at the Corner of Washington Avenue (McGriff Street NE) and Carson Drive. In 1949, they built a second rental house on the home site. When Washington Avenue name was changed to McGriff Street NE their house number as change to 118.
They also operated a hot dog and burger place on the Carson Avenue side!
Their son Donald attended the first FWB school that was founded and held at Beulah First Baptist Church until 6th grade. He attend the 7th grade in Pensacola FL. After Brooks School, FWB first African American two room school, was built across the street from the McGriff home Donald attended his 8th-11th grades at Brooks Schools. He was a member of Brooks School’s first African American basketball team along with Clarence (Buckshot) Bennett, James Florence, Doug and Kolue, the son of Bubba James. Mr. Charlie Hill, Brooks School’s Principal coached the team.
In 1955, Okaloosa County Schools opened Carver-Hill High School for all Okaloosa County African American High School Students. Donald completed the 12th grade at Carver-Hill High School and was a member of the first 1954-55 Carver-Hill High School graduating class along with Clarence (Buckshot) Bennett and James Florence from FWB.
Donald was the first FWB African American High School student to graduate and to attended college! In 1955, Donald enrolled at Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tennessee. He graduated in the 1960 graduating class with a Degree in Mechanical Engineering and Metallurgy! He was also the first FWB African Student to graduate from college and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Currently 82 years old, Donald and his second wife Betty lives in Pearland TX and he is now retired.
Upon the death of his late mother Nona Moore McGriff (Woods), Donald sold the family home estate to Gregg Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church that currently own the McGriff home estate. Washington Avenue street name was changed and named McGriff Street NE in honor of the McGriff family in the 50’s.