Griffith, Michael Alan's Obituary
Michael Alan Griffith, known to everyone as Mike, was born at Fort Harrison, Indiana, the first child of Don and Mary Elizabeth Bass Griffith. Mike moved to Memphis in 1964 and stayed the rest of his life. He graduated from Christian Brothers High School in 1975 and from Christian Brothers College in 1979 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He met his wife Vickie Russell Griffith in the CB Singers where he played piano. After a first date at Mike’s best friend Jim Allen’s birthday party – which Mike’s parents also attended – Mike and Vickie were married in 1981. They had five children together. Mike worked as a programmer at FedEx for 35 years and retired in 2019.
Mike’s life centered around his sprawling family, whom he cherished dearly. He was a devoted husband who knew his wife was always right and an attentive son who knew the same about his mother. He was a loving father who showed up at his kids’ concerts and games with a camcorder and who left work early every Tuesday for years to take his five kids to piano lessons. He spent nearly every weekend attending his children’s sports and other activities. He was a dedicated grandad who cherished his grandchildren, travelling often to visit them.
Mike was a devout Catholic who was always willing to share his faith. He regularly volunteered as a lector at St. Louis Catholic Church, and he and Vickie guided dozens of engaged couples through Catholic marriage preparation. They recently completed a pilgrimage to Fatima and Lourdes. He was a leader for the Boy Scouts at St. Louis for over thirty years, first for his three sons, and then for others long after his own children graduated. He spent hundreds of nights leading camping trips, teaching outdoor skills, and guiding dozens of Eagle Scouts. He also mastered campfire cobbler and even made it at home for his wife and daughters.
Mike was a talented woodworker who built too many things to name, including a desk with special knitting compartments for his wife, a loft bed for his son’s dorm room, and a table and chairs for his grandchildren, painted their favorite colors. Countless bookcases he made can be found in the homes of his loved ones around the country. Mike will be remembered as someone who spent his life helping his family and friends.
Mike spent his last days celebrating Christmas with his entire family. He is survived by his wife Vickie, and their five children Angela Mann (Brian), Alan Griffith (Eilis O’Neill), Joseph, John, and Elizabeth Griffith (Jonathan Kiestler); his parents Don and Mary Elizabeth; his siblings Jimmy and Teresa; and his grandchildren Addison, Mason, Logan, James, Eamon, and Adina Mae.
The family requests donations to Dynamic Catholic, Birthright of Memphis, or St. Jude in lieu of flowers.
Arrangements as follows:
Visitation
Thursday, January 2, 2025, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Rosary at 6:30 p.m.
Memorial Park Funeral Home
5663 Poplar Ave.
Memphis, TN 38117
Funeral Service
Friday, January 3, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
St. Louis Catholic Church
203 S. White Station Rd.
Memphis, TN 38117
Gravesite
Immediately following funeral service
Calvary Cemetery
1663 Elvis Presley Blvd.
Memphis, TN 38106
Lunch Reception
12:30 p.m. or immediately following cemetery
St. Louis Catholic Church
All are welcome
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