Clive Leslie Griffiths, Age: 67
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Jan 22, 1955---Apr 29, 2022

Clive Leslie Griffiths, 67, of Miami, FL, passed away Friday, April 29th, 2022. Clive was born January 22nd, 1955, in Pontypridd, Wales, United Kingdom.

Clive was a professional soccer player. He started his professional career in 1973 with Manchester United Football Club, 1973-1975. He had over a ten-year professional soccer career with: Manchester United, Plymouth Argyle, Tranmere Rovers, Chicago Sting, Tulsa Roughnecks, Chicago Horizon and ending his professional career in Kansas City as the Captain of the Kansas City Comets. (1981 - 83)

After retiring from professional sports, Clive became a successful business owner. He established International Soccer; an organization that had youth soccer teams ages 12-18 years of age compete in international (mostly European) soccer tournaments in the summer. In addition, he had many professional camps and clinics that he established across the United States with British coaches.

Clive generously volunteered his time with the Special Olympics and American Cancer Society. After surviving testicular cancer in 1983, Clive devoted his time to being a public speaker for the American Cancer Society and was invited to the White House in 1988 for the ACS Courage Awards presentation in the Rose Garden with President Reagan. He represented the state of Kansas.

Clive achieved his private pilot’s license through A.O.P.A., he enjoyed flying small planes in his free time.  Clive also cherished quality time with his one and only child, a daughter, Meredith Lee. Clive also adored his Shih Tzu, “Pearl”.

He was preceded in death by his parents Muriel and John Griffiths, and his siblings, Gwyn Griffiths, Julie Griffiths and Andrew Griffiths. Clive is survived by his beloved daughter, Meredith Lee Griffiths, soon to be son in law Ryan Murray, first wife and care giver Marylee Battaglia (Griffiths), brother Melvin Griffiths (Brenda), sister Gillian Wilcox (Alwyn) and brother Leigh Griffiths, sister in law Donna Griffiths  and many extended family and close friends.

Condolences may be expressed at:  www.porterfunteralhome.com

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that funds be donated to Huntington’s Disease Society of America:  Click here to donate

Funeral service will be live streamed at: https://colonialucc.online.church/

Or for later viewing at: https://www.youtube.com/user/ColonialUCC/videos

Funeral Service will be held from 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 20th at Colonial Church in Prairie Village, 7039 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS 66208.


Condolences

Peggy Petroni Aug 10, 2022

Friend ,Louisville ,Kentucky

I remember Clive when he played soccer in Kansas City with my husband Victor Petroni Clive was always such a nice and caring person. May he Rest In Peace.

Suzanne Monteil Aug 10, 2022

Fan ,Kansas City ,Kansas

We were season tickets holders with the Comets! Met & admired Clive very much! Our prayers go to all of you! Because of bad health, I cannot attend!

Becky and Gary Dickerson Aug 10, 2022

Friends ,Overland Park ,Kansas

We are so sorry to hear about Clive’s passing. We got to know his family when our daughters were members of the KC Flare, a synchronized swim team. It was so clear to see that Clive adored Meredith and was so proud of her accomplishments. He was a wonderful, supportive father and I know he was a hero to his daughter. Rest In Peace, Clive.

Mark West Aug 11, 2022

Close Friend/Athletic Trainer ,Overland Park ,Kansas

RIP Captain!!

Brent Lawler Aug 11, 2022

Fan and Camp Attendee ,West palm beach ,Florida

Grew up in KC and Clive was my favorite Comet. #5 is still my favorite number. RIP

Gordon Hill Aug 11, 2022

Close friend ,Bonney Lake ,Washington

Clive, we was always looking for that next goal, We achieved it in our journey in Football. I wish you all the best in your next journey. We will play again together one day. Your freind Gordon

Christy Hollandsworth (Beverlin) Aug 11, 2022

Fan ,Olathe ,Kansas

I was a huge Comets Fan in High School. Clive was one of my favorites and he always had time to talk to me. High School was hard for me but with my love for the Comets and the kindness of Clive and Mark I made it through. RIP dear sir, I shall always remember you with a smile.

Christine Dewberry Aug 12, 2022

Friend of Meredith and Marylee ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Eternal rest grant unto him. My deepest sympathies to you.

Barb Innes Aug 12, 2022

Friend of MaryLee ,Overland Park ,Kansas

What a difference Clive made! I remember MaryLee and Meredith talk of his incredible career! Both my sons were soccer players growing up. People were enriched by his giving of time to help others. He gave to others in so many ways over his short life from his encouraging youth soccer, cancer survivorship, etc. Praying for all his family during this difficult time.

Janell Summers Engelhardt Aug 14, 2022

We are sorry to learn of Clive's passing. You have our sympathy. John and Janell Engelhardt

Michael Dix DDS Aug 14, 2022

Former dentist of his ,Lenexa ,Kansas

I was sad to learn of Clives death. I had the pleasure of being his dentist for several years and enjoying conversations with him. My condolences to all of his family.

Rob Baker Aug 15, 2022

Cousin ,Pontypridd

This is from “back home” in South Wales. Rest in Peace cousin Clive. I regret not knowing you better or knowing of the great things you achieved after football. You represented Glyncoch, Pontypridd and Wales with great pride.

Randy Covitz Aug 17, 2022

Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

I recently learned of Clive's passing and wanted to express my sincere condolences. Clive was an original KC Comets player and captain, and he was immeasurably helpful and cooperative to me, who covered the team for The Kansas City Star. There were plenty of ups and downs for the team as well as Clive, personally, and he always maintained a positive attitude with that infectious smile, even as he battled back from testicular cancer and may have played his best soccer upon his return. Hopefully the wonderful memories of Clive will help his friends, teammates and family get through this difficult period.

The Rabinoffs Aug 20, 2022

Friends ,MERRIAM ,Kansas

Who could know Clive and not be captured by his wonderful personality and amazing smile. It was a personal pleasure for us to know him and spend a bit of time with him. Rest in peace Clive. Walt & Sandy

Charlie and Debbie Fajkus Aug 20, 2022

Friend and former teammate ,Olathe ,Kansas

Clive’s service was beautiful and very touching. Meredith your words were perfect! We have wonderful memories from Chicago and Kansas City. May God grant you all comfort during this hard time! Charlie & Debbie

Michelle Gehring Aug 21, 2022

Meredith, I’m so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. My own father passed away two weeks ago at age 91. It is never easy losing a parent, especially as an only child, which I am, too. May your memories help bring you comfort and Peace.