Donald Griffin

Donald Lee Griffin passed away unexpectedly on February 3, 2025, at the age of 67. His family is deeply saddened by his sudden passing but takes comfort in knowing that Donald had a strong foundation in the Lord and is now reunited in Heaven with loved ones who have gone before him.

Donald is survived by his beloved mother, Alma, and his siblings, Eugene Griffin and Jacqueline Jones. He will be dearly missed by his nieces, Eugenia Taylor (Randall), Yolanda Smith, and Stephanie Jones, as well as his nephews, George Griffin and Larry Jones, Jr. (Christie). Donald was also a cherished great-uncle to his great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving father, Elmer, his brother-in-law, Larry Jones, Sr. and his sister-in-law, Patricia Griffin. Born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, Donald spent his childhood in East Knoxville, where he grew up in the church alongside his parents. He was a lifelong member of Tabernacle Baptist Church. After graduating from Fulton High School, Donald later earned his Bachelor of Applied Science degree from Tennessee Wesleyan in 1991. 

A passionate sports fan, Donald loved spending his days watching baseball and had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. A devoted Atlanta Braves supporter, he could effortlessly recall batting averages and player statistics, often sharing insights about both the Braves and their competition. He was equally enthusiastic about Tennessee Volunteers football, Lady Vols basketball, and the NBA. He was also an avid collector of baseball cards and comic books.Though he briefly worked outside the home at Goodwill, Donald spent most of his life in the companionship of his parents. He enjoyed his mother’s home-cooked meals and loved assisting his father with projects around the house. As the youngest child, he looked up to his older siblings and treasured the time he spent with his nieces and nephews whenever they visited. Donald was an avid reader and puzzle enthusiast. Whenever surrounded by family, he delighted in sharing fascinating stories about whatever new information he had recently learned. His legacy is one of love, family, and an enduring curiosity about the world around him.

A funeral service will be held at Tabernacle Baptist Church on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 5:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with the service starting promptly at 6:00 p.m. If you wish to donate in Donald’s memory, please consider contributing to The Pat Summitt Foundation, which is dedicated to the fight against Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, working toward the day when no family has to hear that a loved one has been diagnosed. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Tennova Hospice, who provided exceptional care and comfort to Donald in his final days.

The family also respectfully asks that if you visit our family Matriarch, Ms. Alma, please do not discuss Donald’s passing. Though she is 99 years old, she has times when she is fully aware of her surroundings and the family wants to spare her from the sadness of this news.