Joe Dean Griffith

Joe Dean Griffith, who was born September 1, 1948, and faithfully served his Lord until his passing on October 10, 2023, was a beacon of resilience and faith throughout his life. Graced with an unyielding spirit, he withstood the many challenges life threw at him. Born almost entirely deaf due to an unfortunate incident in utero, the world perceived him as a slow learner. But oh, how he proved them wrong! As a young boy, he was sent to the University of Illinois, where he was taught to speak, and his strength of character found its way into the hearts of his friends from the Hutsonville High School Class of 1966.

Joe felt the call of God early on, and his father discerned his spiritual course. Thus, he began his journey into the pastoral ministry. Joe completed his education in 1974 at Johnson Bible College in Knoxville, TN, and would spend the rest of his life bearing witness to God's word. From being ordained as a pastor at the First Christian Church in Hutsonville to becoming the first house parent at Pinehaven Christian Children's Ranch to preaching at numerous churches in the Midwest and Virginia to his last pastoral call to the Hutsonville First Baptist Church, Joe served with a heart full of Christ's love. His final message, "Don't Be a Mudslinger," delivered on September 10, 2023, demonstrated his light-hearted approach to imparting wisdom, though Joe always crafted his sermons straight out of the Bible.

His love for collective worship led him and his brother in Christ, Bill Ikemire, to begin Singspiration in 2003 at Faithway Christian Church, an event devoted to celebrating the Lord with talents of all kinds. This initiative resonated deeply within the community, with other churches joining them in their monthly gatherings. In addition to his service in the church, Joe also served as a substitute teacher in Crawford County, mentoring and inspiring young hearts and minds. Our dear "Mr. Joe," as the children fondly called him, held a special place in the hearts of deaf children who saw him as a role model.

Joe's many interests painted a picture of a man who lived a life full of joy. He had a fondness for farming and a lifelong love for John Deere tractors, inherited from his early days on the farm with his father. He was a football fan but was especially drawn to Joe Montana, naturally making him root for the Fighting Irish, the 49ers, and the Chiefs. He cherished beautiful moments amidst the changing colors of leaves in Branson and Pigeon Forge, as well as seemingly ordinary moments spent playing Scrabble or treasure hunting at garage sales with his beloved wife Betty (whom he jovially called "Betty Confetti.") "Joe Blow from Kokomo" was just as well versed with encouraging words as he was with playful names. He was a man of sincere compassion and boundless care who truly treasured his family and lived in a way that ensured they knew his devotion to them.

Joe Griffith was indeed an extraordinary soul. So may we who are left behind strive to emulate his essence - his courage, humor, and perseverance. Let's honor his memory by echoing the words he'd refrain during life's storms, "We'll make it," for Joe's story is a testament that, by the grace of God, we will. His life was an exquisite sermon, scripted with love, faith, and fortitude. Rest now, dear Joe, for you have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, and you have kept the faith. Well done, good and faithful servant.

He married Betty Banko on October 10, 1993, and she will forever remember their wedding anniversary as the anniversary of the day Joe went home to be with the Lord. In addition to his wife of 30 years, Joe is also survived by his children, Tim & Rebecca Griffith (Shepherd, MI), Rebecca & Jonathan Long (Blacksburg, VA), Angela Marx (Lexington, KY), Elaine Gower-Clark & David Clark (Fishers, IN), Kathy Bement (Decatur, IL), and Melissa Gower (Robinson, IL) & fiancé, Eddie Cargo (Rantoul, IL); his grandchildren, Abigail Griffith, Gracie Griffith, Reagan Marx, Patrick Marx, Zoe Marx, Rose Griffith, Bethany Griffith, Grace Gower, and Katelyn Bement; as well as many close, "kissin' cousins".

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter & Velda (McCrory) Griffith; his son, Andrew James Griffith; and by numerous extended family members.

A time of visitation will be held from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 18th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 19th, with Pastor Bill Ikemire, Larry Crabtree, and Steve Dolson officiating. During the service, family and friends will have the opportunity to share their memories and thoughts of this dear man. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream .

Burial will be in the Hutsonville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to "St. Jude Children's Research Hospital" or "Project Linus", with envelopes available at the funeral home.