John Ervin Griffith, 77, of Buckhannon, passed away Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Buckhannon.
He was born in Hammond on September 7, 1946, a son of the late Ernest “Dana” Griffith and Edith A Shaffer Griffith. John was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Yvonne Slaughter; one granddaughter, LeAnn Slaughter; one brother, Don Griffith; two sisters: LulaBell Immel and Monica Hefner; and one brother-in-law, Terry Cogar.
On April 18, 1987, John married Joyce Rose Perrine and together they shared 37 wonderful years of marriage and commitment.
Forever cherishing their memories of John’s loving nature are four children: John M. Griffith and wife, Beth, of Weston, Dave Perrine and wife, Lisa, of Weston, Joe Perrine of Wheeling, and Julie Torres of Tulsa, OK; five grandchildren: Brian Hitt and wife, Jessica, of Fairmont, Chelsy Minutelli and husband, Michael, of Fairmont, Cody Griffith and wife, Reva, of Weston, Kimberly Fisher and husband, Adam, of Greenwood, SC, and Cheyanna Prince and husband, Andrew, of Greenwood, SC; seven great grandchildren: Liam Queen, Violet Burgess, Noah Griffith, Dakota Griffith, Madaline Fisher, William Prince, and Theodore Prince; five sisters: Linda Riley and husband, Ted, Joyce Jarrett and husband, Larry, Dee Fischer and husband, Frank, Vicki Oberlander and husband, Roger, and Donna Cogar; and several nieces and nephews.
John graduated from Lewis County High School in the class of 1965. He was a hard-working man, operating machinery at Moore’s Business Forms. However, his work didn’t define him. What truly defined John were his passions and his service to others. He was a volunteer firefighter with the Buckhannon Fire Department for 25 years, selflessly putting himself in harm’s way to protect his community. John also served in the National Guard for six years demonstrating his commitment to his country. He was a diehard Mountaineer fan showing his love for his home state in every way possible. John’s love for the water led him to become the proud owner and operator of the Stonewall Jackson Paddle Wheel, where he served as the captain, steering the vessel with the same steadiness and dedication he steered his life.
John’s request for Cremation has been honored. Family and friends will gather at Clutter Funeral and Cremation located at 21 Elnora Circle in Buckhannon from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2024. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 11 a.m. in the Clutter Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Teresa Crites officiating. Full military honors will be provided by the United States Army and the Upshur County Honor Guard.
We, at Clutter Funeral and Cremation, are honored and privileged to serve the family of John Ervin Griffith. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ClutterFuneralHome.com.
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