Elton Odie Griggs, 85, was born December 17, 1940, in Ripley, Tennessee, and passed away on October 26, 2026. He later moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he built a full life rooted in steady devotion to family, faithful service to community, and the quiet pride of work done well.
Elton was a skilled repairman with Sears for 33 years, known for the kind of capable hands and patient persistence that earned trust wherever he went. After retirement, he continued to serve as a reserve Sheriff for Shelby County, reflecting a lifelong sense of responsibility and commitment to others. He was also a Shriner, Scottish Rite, and Mason.
Elton is survived by his wife of 63 years, Karen (Tonie) Griggs. He is also survived by two children: Elton Griggs Jr. and his wife Jennifer, and their two children Trey Griggs and Beau Griggs; and Trudy White and her husband Carl White, and their two children Sadie Hoffman and Kyle White. He is further survived by three great-grandchildren, Emmett Griggs, Ellie Griggs, and Georgia Griggs, with one great-grandchild on the way. He is also survived by his only sister, Sandra Justice and her husband Otis Justice, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133, on October 29, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. The Funeral Service will follow at the same location on October 29, 2026, at 10:00 am. A Committal Service will take place at Memory Hill Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133, on October 29, 2026, from 11:00 am to 11:30 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Leawood Baptist Church. For more information or to make a donation, please visit their website:
Leawood Baptist Church (https://www.leawoodbaptist.org/
