John Henry Griggs

Mr. John Henry Griggs, 58, of Martin died Friday, March 17, 2017, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Union City. Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2017, at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Jackie F. Thomas officiating. Interment will follow in Parham Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the church.He was born December 12, 1958, in Brownsville, Tennessee to Noreen Frye Griggs and Joe Griggs, Sr. He attended school at Haywood County and graduated in 1977. He attended Middle Tennessee State University on a football scholarship and later transferred to U.T. Martin where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education in 1983. While a student at UTM, he was an initiate of the Iota Zeta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. during the spring semester of 1980 on February 23. To the Frat and the campus, he was affectionately known as “Tank” On December 17, 1988, he wed Marissa Whitsey of Hickman, Kentucky. To this union, two children were born, John Cameron and Jalen Craig. John was a loving husband and father who made it his business to ensure that family was first. John was committed to the work of the Lord and his dedication and service to God’s Kingdom was exemplary. He served as a member of the Deacon and Trustee Board at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church. He was baptized at an early age at Peaceful Chapel Baptist Church in Brownsville, Tennessee. He started his professional career with Pepsi Cola, but transitioned into education in the 1990’s. He was both an educator and coach at Union City Middle School. He wore many hats; husband, father, brother, educator, coach, mentor, bus driver, frat, deacon and handyman; but regardless of the title, he will always be remembered as a servant to the Lord, his family and everyone he encountered. He leaves to carry on his spirit: his wife, Marissa, three sons, John Cameron, Jalen and Dwight Miles; a daughter, Reve Reed; siblings, Johnnie B. (Winnie) Davis, David Griggs, martin (Janice) Griggs, Emmett Hampton, John H. (Pearly) Bates, Clarice Jarrett and Linda Griggs; also a loving family of in laws and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by: his mother, Noreen Frye Griggs, father, Joe Griggs; sisters, Eria Mae Frye, Pearly Mae Carney, Gloria Denise Griggs and his very special uncle, Joe Frye. Rawls Funeral Home – Union City 731-885-8110