Hugh C. Griffith
Big Rapids – Hugh C. Griffith Jr., 81, of Reed City, passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2009, at Spectrum Health in Reed City.
He was born January 28, 1928, in Colesville, New York, the son of Hugh C. and Elizabeth (Jones) Griffith, and served with the United States Army during World War II.
In 1949, he married Shirley A. Hannigan, they moved to Big Rapids in 1958. Hugh taught English at Ferris State University for 34 years until retiring. He served as faculty advisor to Veterans Club at Ferris for many years, as well as delivering Memorial Day addresses to the City of Big Rapids to honor those who gave the greatest sacrifice for their country. Hugh also published a book of poems, The Wings of Icarus, among his other scholarly publications.
He moved to Reed City in 1998, where he had lived since. Hugh was a former member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Big Rapids, and currently a member of the Reed City Church of the Nazarene.
Hugh’s wife Shirley preceded him in death in 2005. Surviving are 3 sons, Hugh (Amy) Jr. of Delta, Pennsylvania, Richard (Kimberly) of Columbia, Maryland, and David (Jannet) of Big Rapids; 1 daughter, Ann (Brenden) Kettner of Benecia, California; 8 grandchildren, Catrin, Joseph, Matthew, Andrew, Patrick, Catherine, Ryan, and Michael; and a brother Richard (Margaret) Griffith of Olathe, Kansas.
Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m., Monday May 11, 2009, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor Chris DeMott officiating. Burial will be in the Woodland Cemetery in Reed City. Hugh’s family will greet friends at the funeral home after 1:00 p.m. on Monday.
3 Responses to “Hugh C. Griffith”
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To the family of Hugh Griffith: I was in cubscouts & Hugh& Shirley were my den parents. in Nov 1971 I lost my father Joe Holman. David was in my den at the time. In Dec 1971 the cub pack had taken up a food collection for myself & my immedaite family. I know thta Hugh & Shirley were responsible for this which i have been grateful for over the years. Gary B. Holman BRHS class of 1980 now reisding in Cocoa,FL
I have many times enjoyed visiting your home, patting your many dogs, and discussing the affairs of the world including economics, politics, and religion, but always with a conservative point of view, and traveling to the monastery. It has been interesting to watch you all progress so well in life. MAY GOD BLESS THE WHOLE GRIFFITH FAMILY, BILL KELLER
Hi guys,
Griff made a significant impression on his students and associates at Ferris. Many of us from the “Vets Club,” and “Turtles,” loved him dearly. His intellect and
love of beer indeared him to all of us.
I suppose it’s now too late to get a grade change!
Best Regards to all,
Rick Waldchen
Grad 1968