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Donald Milton Griffith, 80, departed this Earth on September 11, 2024, to be present with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Don was born to Acie and Edith Garner Griffith of Magee on August 30, 1944.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024, at Tutor Funeral Home in Mendenhall, MS from 5:00 until 7:00 PM. Services will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 14, at Tutor Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Mendenhall, MS.
He lived a life of servanthood. Faithfully serving in the Army during the Vietnam War, he upheld the importance of honoring the American Flag and its representation of what our country stands for, the freedoms given and the sacrifices of others who served to preserve it .He was a retired firefighter of Jackson, MS. Preparing meals at the firehouse was a way to have fun and build relationships with his brothers. It brought him joy to serve others as some days could bear heavy burdens from fire calls. Don was also certified in Dive and Rescue. He served as Vice President of the Jackson’s Fallen Firefighters Memorial Foundation. The Fallen Firefighters Memorial Foundation was created in 1996 for the purpose of erecting a memorial in honor of Jackson, Mississippi Firefighters who have died in the line of duty. The Fallen Firefighters Memorial depicts a firefighter who has just rescued a small child who still clings to his stuffed monkey. The memorial indicates hope for the future and a better tomorrow. Spending years competing in the Barbecue Circuit while also catering events was a passion. He never minded sharing a “secret” recipe or taking time to teach others the procedure and patience it took to smoke meat to perfection on the grill. Many lasting friendships were made even when the stakes were high for bragging rights for the year. Don’s team was named Backdraft Smokers as it comprised of mostly firefighters. This team earned many trophies, awards and championships. Most of all, they earned lasting memories of being with friends.Don’s life was rich in many ways. Several days before his death he told his family that, “he had a good life and wouldn’t change a thing.” He enjoyed staying busy doing the things he loved but also took time to visit with others while watching the sunsets from his porch. A few things he passed on to his children were; time is more valuable than money, when you have the opportunity to help someone, do it and always make everyone feel welcome in your home by being hospitable. It was his desire to let Christ love others through him.
He was married to his sweetheart of thirty-two years, Sue Hubbard Griffith. They enjoyed a happy life together as cook partners, dance partners, prayer partners and best friends.He was a faithful member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. His church family was an important part of his life. Serving at church brought him much joy.
He is survived by his wife, Sue Griffith; daughter, Chris Griffith-Pittman (Christopher), son, Shane Griffith (Maggie), and brother, David Griffith. 8 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was also a Poppa Don to Camden, Taylor and Jackson Duckworth. Stepdaughters, Sherri (Jack) Burlison and Terri (John) Egstad and two step-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Acie and Edith Griffith, sister, Dianne (Jerry) Mangum, nephew, Alan Mangum and sister-in-law Mary Jane Griffith.
Pallbearers are Alan Pittman, Jack Pittman, Michael Griffith, Drew Griffith, Josh Duckworth, Justin Duckworth, Ken Mangum and Owen Kelly (currently deployed). Honorary pallbearers are Mitch White, Chad Leger, Don Steen, Tommy Powell, Herman Duckworth, David Griffith, Bob Hinton and Joe Blackmon.
Arrangements are entrusted with Tutor Funeral Home of Mendenhall.
“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13
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