of Memphis, TN

December 1, 1943 - April 13, 2017

H. Arch Griffin, 73, a long-time department head and professor at Southwest Tennessee Community College in Memphis, died Thursday, April 13, 2017 after a recent illness. As a lifelong educator, he sometimes joked that he wanted to turn his students into "Little Griffins," hoping that they would come to share his own strong belief in, and respect for, learning and higher education.

Mr. Griffin died peacefully at Methodist Hospital East in Germantown, surrounded by his family.

He was a Founding Faculty Member at Shelby State Community College, now Southwest Tennessee Community College (STCC). Additionally, he was Dean of Education, Dean of Arts and Sciences, and Department Head of Social Sciences. He was also a professor of World History, English, and Reading, and an Adjunct Faculty Member at Christian Brothers University. Before his retirement, he was Vice Provost at STCC.
Mr. Griffin attended the University of the Ozarks, received his BA degree from Arkansas Tech University, his MA in History from New Mexico Highlands University, and his MS in Reading and English from University of Memphis. He did additional graduate work at Harvard, Tulane, University of Memphis, and University of North Texas.

Speaking of his teaching philosophy, he was quoted as saying, "I try to impart my love of learning to my students... The bottom line is to encourage them to improve their ability to think and learn - everything else will follow."

Mr. Griffin is survived by his wife of 23 years, Catalina I. Griffin; 1 daughter, Diane Yarbro and her husband Brock; 2 step-sons, Jerome Isaiah Nacario; and Wilbur Joshua Nacario and his wife Merilla; one sister Penny Sue Henson and her husband Larry; one niece, Amanda Sue Henson; and; five grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at 1 pm followed by a Memorial Service at 3 pm on Saturday, April 15, at Roller Family Funeral Home, 3651 Austin Peay, Memphis.

Online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com

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