Jesse "Frank" Griffin

Jesse Franklin “Frank” Griffin, 87, of Crossett, died peacefully, surrounded by his family at the Ashley County Medical Center on May 2, 2018. He was born the youngest of 4 boys in Utica, Mississippi on September 19, 1930, to his parents, Charles Ferris, and Nora Alva Griffin.  He was a graduate of Utica High School, served in the United States Air Force, and received a Bachelor’s Degree from Mississippi State University.  He landed his very first job at the First National Bank of Crossett at 26 years of age and after graduating from the Banking School of the South in Baton Rouge, he remained there until his retirement at age 70.  

Frank was the epitome of a true southern gentleman. He was kind, loving, generous, and humble. When he met the love of his life, Marsha Wiggins, on a blind date, he knew she would forever be his love and best friend.  He was a devoted husband, caregiver, and father, and was happiest when he could serve others.  He was an active member of the First Baptist Church family for many years, known affectionately as “Old Man Griff” by the youth.  Also, Frank was a master gardener, a devoted life-long member of the Crossett Lions Club, served on the FNBC Board of Directors and an avid tennis player and cyclist.  Above all, Frank was a family man who adored his grandchildren who called him by his favorite name, “Pop”.

He is preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Murray Griffin, Charles Griffin, and Gene Griffin; and three sisters-in-law, Jeanne Griffin, Angie Griffin, and Linda Wiggins Nicholas.  He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marsha Wiggins Griffin, of Crossett; three daughters, Leah Hendrix and husband, Tony, of Crossett, Laura Giannavola of Little Rock, and Ellen Templeton and husband, Roger, also of Little Rock; two brothers-in-law, Charles Wiggins and wife, Pat, of Wichita, KS, and Phil Wiggins and wife, Judie, of Pinehurst, N.C.; two sisters-in-law, Faye Griffin of Utica, MS, and Pat Wiggins of Little Rock; seven grandchildren, Landon, Lance and wife, Shannon, Mason, Alex, Rosie, Griffin, Caroline, Sarah, and Max; five great-grandchildren, Logan, Ryan, Natalie, Caitlyn, and Remi; and a very special caregiver, Gayle Gulledge.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, May 6th at the First Baptist Church of Crossett, 701 Main St., with Pastors Jamie Staley and Eric Hodge officiating, followed by an interment at Pinewood Memorial Park under the direction of Medders Funeral Home.  Pallbearers are Landon Mercer, Lance Mercer, Mason Mercer, Alex Giannavola, Griffin Templeton, Tommy Griffin, Shelton Griffin, and Craig Griffin.

Visitation will be from 1:00-3:00 at First Baptist Church on May 6th prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital or the Arkansas Alzheimer’s Association.

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