John "Tom" Thomas Griffin

January 28, 1943 – December 18, 2024

John Thomas Griffin, known to most as Tom and affectionately called Butch by family, passed away on December 18, 2024, at the age of 81. He was born on January 28, 1943, in Memphis, Tennessee, to John Wesley Griffin and Della Luree Griffin, both of whom preceded him in death, as did his brother, Richard Griffin.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 56 and a half years, Kathy Griffin; his daughter, Kimberly Allen (Chris) of Collierville, TN; his son, Jason "Jay" Timothy Griffin of Coldwater, MS; his grandchildren Maeve, Marin, and Carys Allen, and Brooklyn and Baer Griffin; and many other dear family members and friends who will miss him deeply.

Tom was a proud graduate of Kingsbury High School, Class of 1961, and attended Memphis State University for one year before answering the call to serve his country. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he underwent Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and was stationed at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas, from 1963 to 1967. It was in Abilene that he met the love of his life, Kathy, on a blind date. Their connection was instant, and immediately, Tom was showing Kathy photos of the important people in his life—a glimpse into the love and warmth that would define their relationship for decades to come.

After his military service, Tom returned to Memphis, where he attended State Technical Institute of Memphis. In 1968, he married Kathy in Abilene after she completed her schooling. The couple settled in Memphis, where they began their life together.

Tom worked for the Shelby County Courthouse in the Data Processing department for seven years before joining Malone and Hyde, Auto Shack, which later became AutoZone, where he worked for 20 years before retiring in 2005. Even after retiring, Tom kept busy with a variety of interests. He worked alongside his son, Jay, delivering packages for FedEx, always stopping to chat with anyone along the way. He and Kathy also worked for Alexander’s Cleaning Service, cleaning three banks in the area twice a week, and Tom enjoyed driving cars across the country with his cousin Tommy.

In his spare time, Tom loved bowling. He was a proud member of a league that won 9 different tournaments, traveling to places like Reno, Las Vegas, Toledo, and Niagara Falls for competitions. A true fan of sci-fi, he enjoyed watching Star Trek and other shows like The Big Bang Theory in his later years. His love for learning and fixing things was endless. He became a skilled "Jack of all trades," learning from his Granddad Golden, a carpenter, and his father, an electrician. He was known for being able to take an engine apart and put it back together without missing a single piece.

Tom's greatest gift, however, was his love and devotion to Kathy, his children, and his grandchildren. Kathy, cared for him with the grace of a Proverbs 31 woman, demonstrating unwavering love and devotion. His children and grandchildren, along with his many friends, will forever cherish the joy, kindness, and generosity he brought into their lives. He was a gentleman in every sense, known for his fun spirit, determination, and ability to fix anything. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him, but they are blessed to have had him in their lives.

A special thank you is extended to the doctors and nurses at Baptist Desoto Hospital, Tower 9 and ICU, for their care and attention in his final days.

Tom’s legacy of love, character, and kindness will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. Though his presence will be deeply missed, those who knew him feel honored and grateful to have experienced the joy of his friendship and the strength of his love.

A visitation for Tom will be held Thursday, December 26, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. A funeral service will occur Thursday, December 26, 2024 at 2:00 PM, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. His graveside will occur Thursday, December 26, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 3700 N Germantown Pkwy, Bartlett, TN 38133.