Dean Griffies

Carl Dean Griffies died peacefully at home on July 6, 2022 with His beloved wife Judy Griffies, to whom he was married for 33 years, by his side. Gospel hymns were sung by his caregiver as he entered the gates of heaven. Dean was born December 18, 1941, in Birmingham, the son of Clem & Kathryn Griffies. He attended Woodlawn High School and was a member of the school’s music club, the Woodlawn Warblers. Dean also served the Lord as a faithful member of Northpark Baptist Church (Birmingham, AL).

A loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, he beamed with pride for his family, whether coaching a softball team or cheering on his grandchildren. Eternally young at heart, he was a charter member of the “kid’s table” where he nurtured each relationship with his 12 grandchildren and was referred to as a “champion of fun.” Along with the desserts he was known to sneak, Papa savored every moment spent with them. He was always up for an adventure, even having his grandkids use the pool as a bathtub, never wanting to miss an opportunity for fun. Skipping rocks with his loyal dog Dylan, Papa would subtly sneak in words of wisdom to his grandchildren among the sounds of splashes and cicadas.

Never without a toolbox, Papa is remembered by all as Mr. Fix It, lending a hand to make sure all was in good working order. He loved service projects, especially the Appalachian Service Project, completed with his children and their friends. Combining his loves of travel and tinkering, he and Judy embarked on a cross-country trip serving the Lord and others with Campers on Mission. Skilled in small talk and humor, he would leave you feeling better than you did when you came; making everyone in the room feel special with his lightheartedness and good nature.

His memory is cherished by all who survive him: Wife Julia Ann Griffies, Sons: Joel Dean Griffies (Sue Ellen), Charley Johnson (Pam), Billy Ray Johnson (Charlene). Daughters: Anita Griffies Keasey (David), Cheryl Johnson McLeland (Chuck) and Brother-in-law John Beasley (Lee). Grandchildren: Michael, Molly and Mathew Keasey, Luke and Mary Kathryn Griffies, Lauren Bambarger, Haley Crew, Lindsay Browne, Rachel Stewart, Brandon, Daniel and John Johnson. Seven Great Grandchildren, two impending arrival. And many cousins nieces and nephews. He has reunited in heaven with his parents Kathryn Rockhill Griffies and Clem Chester Griffies, brother Arthur Vincent and Sister Mary-Emma Yarborough.

Judy would like to extend her deepest appreciation to Lipford Home Care for the loving care they provided to Dean. In particular caregiver Jackie Amos whom he and his wife came to love for all she did for them.

War Eagle till we see you again.