John Willard Griffin, Sr.

John Willard Griffin, Sr. was born on August 11, 1938 in Shaw, Mississippi.  He was the son of Grover G. Griffin and Ida (Crowe) Griffin.  He served in the United States Army from 1959 to 1962. During his term of service he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and served in the 101st Airborne. John went on to attend Delta State University in Cleveland, MS where he earned his bachelor and masters degree.  

On June 10, 1966, John married Shirley Medders in Rosedale, MS.   John worked as a teacher, coach, high school counselor and a Federal Programs Coordinator.   He retired to Branson in 1996 from Cleveland, MS.  He enjoyed playing poker and bridge.  He was an avid newspaper reader and enjoyed a challenging crossword puzzle.

John entered into rest on Sunday, March 25, 2018 at the age of 79.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Doug and sister Bernice.

John is survived by his wife Shirley Griffin; his son, John Griffin Jr. and wife Dawn of Ridgedale, MO; daughter, Kimberly Louderbaugh and husband Brian of Highlandville, MO; brother, Butch Griffin and wife Diane of Hendersonville, TN; sister, Virginia Hite of Clarksdale, MS; four grandchildren and one great grandson.

A celebration of John’s life will be held on April 27, 2018 from 12:00-4:00 P.M. at Big Cedar Lodge, Ridgedale in room Cedar Creek A. Lunch will be served from noon to 2:00 with military honors at 12:30.

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