of Lexa, AR
December 9, 1935 - October 14, 2021
John L. Griffin, age 86, Lexa, Arkansas passed away Thursday, October 14, 2021 at St. Bernard's Hospital in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He was born December 9, 1935 in Beattyville, Kentucky to the late Myrtle Phillips Griffin and Edgar Griffin. He was a member of Lexa Baptist Church and enjoyed playing the guitar and listening to music.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Patricia Galloway Griffin; two sons, James Griffin of Lake City, Arkansas and Steve Griffin (Sharon) of Lexa, Arkansas; daughter, Debbie Smith of Jonesboro, Arkansas; nine grandchildren, Nickie Russell (Kurt), James Griffin, Jr., Devin Griffin (Haley), Candi Griffin, Amanda Holt, Jeremy Newsom (Morgan), Tyler Griffin, Nolan Smith, and Clay Farrer (Allison); 17 great grandchildren; two great- great grandchildren; two sisters, Evelyn Galloway (Eddie) and Sophia Herald; a host of other family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his son, John Edgar Griffin; parents, Myrtle and Edgar; brother, Larry Griffin; five sisters, Lorene Gough, Norma Thacker, Geroldine Durbin, Cleta Newton and Edith Carmichael.
A funeral service for Mr. John L. Griffin will be held at 12:00 p.m., Monday, October 18, 2021 at Lexa Baptist Church in Lexa, Arkansas. Visitation will be held an hour before the service at the church as well. Burial to follow to Sunset Memorial Park. Brother Nathan Perry will officiate.
Pallbearers are Tyler Griffin, Nolan Smith, Devin Griffin, James Griffin, Jr., Jeremy Newsom, and Austin Russell.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Services are directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870)-572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.
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19 Condolence(s)
Adam Fitts
Wednesday, December 1, 2021
John was one of my favorite people to play guitar alongside, and he truly held joy in his life whenever I saw him. Steve & Sharon are a reflection of that same sincerity/kindness. Steve there aren't any words man. Candi, Amanda, & Jeremy it's just not fair about your pop.
I only hope he enjoyed playing guitar with me as much as I enjoyed his company. He was a fine man.
Eric Peppers
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Debbie,
I am so sorry for your loss. May God's peace that passes all understanding provide you comfort.
Sheila Padilla
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
thoughts and prayers sent
Terry Garrison
Saturday, October 23, 2021
Dear Mrs. Griffin,
I am so sorry for you and your family concerning the loss of Mr. Griffin. He was always so kind when he came to pick up the kids from school.
Praying for you all during this season of grief.
Mrs. Garrison
Christine Johnston
Monday, October 18, 2021
My condolences. John was a great man sorry for your loss. Keeping you and the family in my prayers.
Brenda Adams Cuellar
Sunday, October 17, 2021
So sorry for you loss Mrs Pat, James, Steve and Debbie. Mr John was a wonderful man and had a beautiful soul. He’d greet you with smiling eyes and big hugs! He was such a positive influence in my young life so many years ago. I know he’s in heaven spreading great joy now. Praying God blesses your family with comfort and strength during this very sad time. Love you all, Brenda
Danny and Tina Holt
Sunday, October 17, 2021
Our prayers are with the Family...Mr John will truly be missed.
Donna Vondran
Saturday, October 16, 2021
Mrs. Pat,
I have so many wonderful memories playing music with John. I know he is now playing for Jesus. He was a precious, gentle soul. I feel fortunate to have been in his company and played music with him for so many years. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Donna Vondran
Candi Griffin
Saturday, October 16, 2021
love u papaw and I'm gonna miss you so much.
Mitchell & Tori Watkins
Saturday, October 16, 2021
Our condolences to the Family. â¤
Kelli mallard
Saturday, October 16, 2021
Pawpaw u will never know all the hearts and souls you touched you taught me to play guitar and I would sing my heart out for all of y’all Pawpaw was our rock and knowing uncle John has one parent after all these years with him iam going to miss our talks on the swing miss laughing at everything watching the birds to borrowing your tools you and grandma taught us a lot ty for be the Christian Man U have always been and ty for loving all of us u never treated any of us any different real , step , and the ones that was married into the family u and gma always treated us like one of yours and we was â¤ï¸
Diane Karr
Saturday, October 16, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. A fine man who will truly be missed in our community.
Dale Rohrscheib
Saturday, October 16, 2021
Sorry for your loss...Mr John was good man
Donna Slaughter
Friday, October 15, 2021
Sorry for your loss. Praying for your family.
Rick Yeager
Friday, October 15, 2021
I’m very sorry to hear about Mr. Griffin He was a great man and loved his grands and greats. Prayers for each of you. May God comforter each of your during this time.
Greg & Fran Smallwood
Friday, October 15, 2021
Many prayers and thoughts to the family of John Griffin , he was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. ðŸ™â¤ï¸
Jackie Sanders
Friday, October 15, 2021
My heartfelt sympathies for the Griffin Family. Having been through this myself, I feel your pain and loss. Prayers for you all.
Margaret Kirk
Friday, October 15, 2021
Pat I am so sorry to learn of the passing of John. I pray you memories and faith in God will comfort you in this time of grief.
Rest in peace John.
Ken Yancey
Friday, October 15, 2021
Debbie &Mrs Pat, sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.