Michael Paul Griffin

Michael will be remembered most for his faithful devotion to his high school sweetheart Sheina, who were married July 7, 2007 and their beautiful children Jaxon, Cora, and Ella. After graduating from Sheridan High School in 2001 Michael completed training at Nashville Auto Diesel College, and later changed his career to real estate. He was employed at Mid South Realty and assisted his brother-in-law when needed at Jay’s Garage.

He was a man who was defined by the unbridled joy and the love which he spread wherever he might be. Michael embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He taught his children to work hard and play hard. He had an adventurous spirit and love of nature instilled in him as a young boy hunting in the deer woods of southwest Arkansas. He unselfishly relinquished his passion for hunting to spend more time instilling his love of nature in his children. Hundreds of photos have been taken of his children sitting on huge rocks in the middle of nowhere, holding frogs, turtles, lizards and other critters, sitting under waterfalls in AR State Parks, climbing hills, building sandcastles on ocean fronts, sledding, coaching them in sports, and so much more. He helped his children set goals and if need be, he always corrected them in a calm loving manner. Under his guidance, they have excelled academically and learned to be competitive in many sports. All of this mattered to him, and he and Sheina worked together to ensure their children would have the tools to build a happy successful life.

Michael and Sheina planned adventures for their children. At the time of his passing, he had spent the day doing what he loved with his immediate family, extended members of his family, and some of his favorite neighbors floating on the Buffalo River. This was their way of enjoying everyday moments, appreciating and exploring nature, laughing often, and appreciating the beauty of the world. He brought warmth, optimism, and a contagious sense of joy wherever he went.

Playing pool competitively was also Michael’s passion, and he frequented Krome Billiards to play with The Jesters teammates and friends. Michael loved shooting 10-ball with his dad proudly in attendance many nights. Michael’s charismatic spirit drew people to him with ease. He had an infectious smile that illuminated his whole face. He had a way of making others feel seen, welcomed, and included by expressing genuine interest in those around him. If you were ever with Michael, you knew you were with a man who cared about you, and could make you laugh even when you might not want to do so. May those who knew and loved Michael remember not only the life he lived, but also the love that he had for his family and the love that surrounded him in those final moments.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 19 years Sheina and his children Jaxon, Cora, and Ella; father Paul Griffin and grandmother Nancy Nahlen of East End; mother-in-law Shelby Chambers of Danville; brothers Timmy Dammann of Glen Rose, and Terry (Michelle) Dammann of Camden; Cory Griffin of Alexander; brothers-in-law Jason (Destiny) Luttrell of Benton, and Dustin (Kasie) Luttrell of Charleston; uncle Dr. Bernard Nahlen of South Bend, IN and aunt Jane Jarboe of Little Rock; nieces Abby Dammann (Isaac Swaim) of Benton, and Amsley Dammann of Benton; nephews Ollie Lutrell and Junwon Choy; Thomas (Kaitlyn & daughter Makenzie) Logan of Sherwood, Courtney Fennell of Viola, and Aaron Jarboe of Little Rock. Michael’s friends and family extend far beyond those listed here.

Michael is proceeded in death by his mother Debbie Cherry, his bonus mother Phyllis Griffin, grandfathers L. Jay Griffin and Ronnie Nahlen, grandmother Estha Lee Cherry, maternal great grandparents Robert and Cora Ross, and paternal grandparents Herman and Ruby Nahlen, aunt Kathy Fooks, and cousins Richard Jarboe and Elbert “Bubba” Lee Wilson Jr.

A celebration of his life will be held Friday, June 19, 2026 at Pinecrest Funeral Home, Hwy 5 North, Alexander, AR 72002 beginning with visitation at 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Services will be led by Rev. Trent Palmer who, through the years he and his wife Dr. Kristi Palmer mentored Michael and Sheina and watched them grow into adulthood. They were always present in the life of Michael and Sheina, and helped them build their life together.

Members of the Jesters pool team who will proudly serve as pallbearers are:

Cory Gray, Bryan Wood, Ian Parriash, Brady Ward, Cody Standridge, and Mike Robey.

It is Sheina’s request to come as you are and wear bright colors if you’d like. She wants everyone to be comfortable, and she knows how much Michael loved bright colors!