Dean was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas to George and Wilma Griffith. He was a graduate of Greenwood High School, and a Bulldog for life. Dean closely followed all Bulldog sports teams each year. His favorite hobbies included hunting and fishing. Dean not only had an undying passion for the outdoors, but also possessed an uncanny talent for these activities. He always knew which river to go to in order to catch the most fish and what ridge to sit on so that you would see plenty of deer. He could give you directions to the right hunting spot down to tiniest descriptions of the last mossy stump or large rock. His knowledge of the land spoke for his fondness of the outdoors.
In his thirties, Dean met Kim, and they fell in love. When they met, Kim was mother to three wonderful children: Seth, Coti, and Devin. Dean immediately fell in love with the children as well and loved them as his own. Dean was a devoted son, a loving brother, an adoring husband, and the perfect father. His love for his children and grandchildren was fierce. He cherished them all and enjoyed sharing holidays and his favorite hobbies of hunting and fishing with them. His quiet and calm was matched by his strength and wisdom.
Dean leaves to honor and celebrate his life’s journey: his wife, Kim Griffith; his mother, Wilma Griffith; his father, George Griffith; his children and their spouses, Seth and Cheryl Jones, Coti and Casey Brown, and Devin and Tameika Jones; his three siblings and their spouses, Tony and Rebecca Griffith, Kelli and Mike Henning, and Zachary Griffith; seven grandchildren, Grayson, Merritt, Everett, Avery, Alexis, William, and Charlotte; nieces and nephews as well as countless extended family members and close friends.
Pallbearers will be Gerald Ware, David Zirbel, James Styles, Gene Kelley, Rusty Tarver and Kevin Parker. Honorary pallbearers are Levi Kelley, Kenith Kelley, Mike Henning, Rod Gipson, Tim Terry and James Rogers.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Friday, September 24 at Greenwood First Baptist Church under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood. Viewing will be Thursday from 2 – 7 p.m. at Greenwood First Baptist Church, where the family will visit with friends from 5 – 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Dean Griffith fundraiser account at Farmer’s Bank.
To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.mcconnellfh.com.
