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Morris Griggs
CHARLESTON, Mo. — Morris Brown Griggs, 88, of Charleston died on Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Morris was born to parents Lee and Jettie Griggs, Jan. 9, 1932, in rural Rush Ridge, Missouri. He married Ruth Ann Bender on May 31, 1957, who preceded him in death on Nov. 22, 1964. He married Charlotte Self on Aug. 6, 1965, who survives him. Together they raised three boys and one girl.
He leaves as his legacy: David and Theresa Griggs of Paducah, Kentucky, Alan and Tina Griggs of Nashville, Tennessee, Dennis and Noe Griggs of Jacksonville, Florida, and Lachele and Scott Brink in Charleston. He also leaves to cherish his memory nine grandchildren, Douglas, Jessica, Mark, Jonathan, John Robert, Daniel, Chase, Jettie Kate, Jane Ellen; and 10 great-grandchildren, Addison, Samuel, Jada, Luke, Kaleb, Bennett, Owen, Jayci, Cody and River. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren remember him affectionately and lovely as Pawpaw. He was proud of his family who were his greatest joy.
He was preceded in death by parents, Lee and Jettie Griggs; sisters, Irma Crecelius, Virginia Moss, and Earline Manor; brothers, Leonard Griggs, Douglas Griggs and Robert Griggs. He is survived by brothers, Nathan Griggs of Brawley, California, Richard Griggs and Samuel Griggs both of Charleston.
Morris was a professional mariner skilled in tug and fleet operations until he retired in June of 2000 at the age of 68. He served in the United States Navy from Dec. 17, 1950, to Oct. 27, 1954, sailing aboard the USS Block Island CVE 106 with his brother Richard. He was an active member of VFW Post 4292 and a member of the Southside Baptist Church.
Graveside services with military honors will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, at the Smith-Griggs Cemetery near Wyatt, Missouri. Rev. Mike McKinney, pastor of Southside Baptist Church of Charleston will officiate.
Interment will follow under the direction of the McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston.
Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.