He was born to Snelson and Lillian McGriff on November 28, 1954 in Phoenix, Arizona.
He went to Phoenix Union High School where he played football. He went on to play football at Phoenix College, and Arizona State University. In 1978 he decided to join the US-Army. His service consisted of
both active and inactive duty before being honorably discharged. Eric enjoyed being a part of
small bible group studies, and went on to do missions where he made many friends, and
touched many lives. He worked many years with Western Electric and several other companies
in sales, and manufacturing production throughout his career.
On August 31, 1996, Eric and Tamara united in marriage; to this union was born Matthew Justin
McGriff, and Moriah Taylor McGriff. He was an amazing step-father to his wife’s daughter Kayla
Denise Thrasher. Eric enjoyed photography, traveling, fishing, camping, and sightseeing. He
was known as the “fun” uncle to his nieces and nephews. Eric’s life was filled with joy, and
commitment to his family. He will be remembered for his loving embrace and contagious smile.
We will love and respect him always and forever. Losing him has left a tremendous void in our
hearts and lives. We will be forever grateful for his never-ending love, and constant pride in his
family.
Eric is preceded in death by his father, Snelson McGriff and his mother, Lillian McGriff; his
sisters’ Lena Kelly, Maybelline Wright, Leola (Tootsie) Vanley, and Dorothy Richard; two
brothers’ Snelson McGriff Jr., and Calvin McGriff. He is survived by his wife Tamara Lea McGriff,
son Matthew Justin McGriff, and daughters’ Moriah Taylor McGriff and Kayla Denise Thrasher;
his sister Ruth Hilton (Phoenix, Az), and brothers’ Donnie McGriff (San Diego, CA), Alvin McGriff
(Marietta, CA.), Connie McGriff (Julian, CA.), and Leopold McGriff (Phoenix, Az.); as well as
many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
There will be a memorial service to commemorate and celebrate his life. It will be held on
August 22, 2024 at 10:30 am at First Baptist Chandler. The address is 3405 S Arizona Ave,
Chandler, Az 85248.
Acknowledgment
The McGriff family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the prayers, and gifts provided;
also for your attendance at this service, and your friendship to our beloved Eric Gene McGriff.
