Frank "Joe" Griffin

Frank “Joe” Griffin, 82, of Selmer TN passed away at Jackson Madison County Hospital on Monday July 15, 2024. 

Joe was born and raised in Memphis TN and was the 2nd youngest child of Thomas Griffin Sr. and Jessica Neudecker (Griffin). Most of Joe’s siblings are known to have passed. In order of age, they were Kitty, Frances, Ellen, Tom Jr., Billie, Clara, Vivian, Frank Joe and Patrick.

Joe was born at City of Memphis hospital on June 19, 1942. Shortly after Joe was born, his father passed away and his mother, Jessica, who was an LPN, was left to raise all 9 children by herself. That task proved daunting, but she did her best. She was assisted partly by St. Peter’s Home for Children in Memphis. As the children became adults, Joe continue to live with his mother as Joe was born with mental health challenges. He worked part time at SOS Industries in Memphis. After Jessica’s death, Joe’s sister, Kitty Elliot of Mountain Home AR became his primary conservator and Joe moved to Selmer TN. Once in Selmer, Joe worked part time at Pizza Hut for several years. 

For many years while living in Selmer, Joe lived under the watchful eye of Madison Haywood Developmental Services. The love, affection, and assistance that the staff of MHDS provided to Joe enabled Joe to have the best quality of life possible. The help they provided to Joe will always be remembered and greatly appreciated by everyone who knows Joe.

Joe liked working around his home, fishing, trips, but most importantly Joe loved everything Elvis. As a child, Joe and his family lived at Lauderdale Courts in downtown Memphis. A famous celebrity named Elvis Presley happened to live there also while the Griffins lived there. Elvis used to sing to Joe and it was then Joe became a lifelong Elvis fan. 

Visitation will be held at Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer on Friday, July 19, 2024 from 10:30 am until a funeral service at 11:30 am. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Memphis, TN.

Joe no longer has any disabilities and is in the arms of his mother and God. If you see Elvis, have him sing you a song or two, fly high Uncle Joe.