In Memory of Jerry Johnson Griffey

In Memory of a good friend of Farrar Funeral Home

Jerry Johnson Griffey, age 90, of Fountain City, peacefully departed this life and reunited with his beloved wife, Joan, on Tuesday, October 7, 2024. He was a member of Fountain City United Methodist Church for 53 years where he sang in the Chancel Choir for 47 years and was a member of the Christian Homebuilders Sunday School Class. He served the church in many leadership roles through the years.
Jerry was a charter member of North Knoxville Rotary Club serving as secretary for 37 years. He was an active Rotarian for 63 years and was honored to receive the Paul Harris Fellow from his club. He was in the first graduating class of Fulton High School in 1952 then earned a degree from Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science – Class of 1954. Jerry was a member of The Greater Knoxville Funeral Directors Association, Tennessee Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association, and a member by invitation of National Selected Morticians. He served on many boards of professional and charitable agencies. At the age of 15, Jerry began his life-long ministry of serving families through his work in the funeral business. Jerry and his wife owned Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel for 40 years.
He served two years in the United States Army Medical Corps. In recent years, he enjoyed being a historical re-enactor at Ramsey House portraying Colonel Francis Alexander Ramsey.
He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Joan Bostick Griffey, his wife of 56 years. He was also preceded in death by Grace Pickle, Ruby Pickle Carpenter, and William Andrew Carpenter, the aunts and uncle who raised him.
He is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Karen and Mike Todd (Kingsport) and Becky and Ed Ripley (Knoxville); grandchildren, Ethan Todd, Katie Todd, Will Ripley and wife, Makayla, and Anna Ripley; great-grandson, Caden Andrew Ripley; sister, Charlotte Griffey Kolbe and brother-in-law, Bob Kolbe; sister-in-law, Phyllis Bostick; and many other beloved extended family members and dear friends.
His daughters want to thank Jerry’s lunch buddies and drivers over the past several years that allowed Jerry to fulfill his wish to remain in his home: the late Charlie Robbins, Ron Jones, Dylan Karnes, Gary Gibson, Craig Holtzclaw, David Smith, Truman Sweet, and Mahan Archer. Jerry’s family would like to express their gratitude to the medical professionals at Ft. Sanders Regional Medical Center who lovingly cared for him during his final days.
Family and Friends may call at their convenience Thursday, October 10, 8:30am-4:30pm and Friday, October 11, 8:30am-12:00 noon at Gentry Griffey Chapel. Receiving of friends will be 2:00pm-4:45pm Friday, October 11, at Fountain City United Methodist Church with a service immediately following at 5:00pm with church pastors, Rev. Don Hanshew, Rev. Rachel Collins, and Rev. Mahan Archer officiating. A Graveside service will be held at 11:00am Saturday, October 12, at Asbury Cemetery with Rev. Doug Smith, Rev. Gregg Bostick, and Rev. Jim Whedbee officiating. Active Pallbearers will be Ron Jones, Craig Holtzclaw, David Smith, Dylan Karnes, Gary Gibson, and Gage Farrar. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Christian Homebuilders Sunday School Class, FCUMC Chancel Choir, and Funeral Professionals both past and present.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Fountain City United Methodist Church Chancel Choir, UMCOR Disaster Relief in care of FCUMC (www.fountaincityumc.org), or the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee Disaster Fund (www.netfoodbank.org).