Photo courtesy of Smith, Bizzell & Warner Funeral Home
Feb 4, 1964 - Dec 21, 2021 (Age 57)
Judy ,You and Earl have our deepest sympathy for your lost,
Albert... Ethel Smith
January 06, 2022 | Crescent, GA | Family
To Julia Griffis Murphy and Family, You have my deepest heartfelt condolences at this time and journey of your path in life. I remind myself daily as I walk the same path that you walk today. God is too Wise to make a Mistake and too Just to be Unfair. He makes no mistake and it is His Will. I work every day trying not to lean to my own understanding. Be Encouraged and you have my prayers
Carolyn and Bee
January 04, 2022 | Family
Judy and Earl Jr.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Winnie , Marcus and Kendall (Alabama)
Winnie Robinson
January 04, 2022 | Athens, AL | Family
I have Special Memories of you when your Parents would bring you to Alabama to visit. We both shared the same Grand Parents because my Dad & your Dad was Brothers. Our Grand Parents were Earl Griffis #1 and Memory Griffis. You & I loved GrandDad Earl and GrandMa Memory. Love you Darnell. ( Cousin ) Winnie (Alabama)
Winnie Robinson
January 04, 2022 | Athens, AL | Family
CLICK HERE TO WATCH DARNELL'S SERVICE
Darnell Lamar Griffis, Sr. was granted his wings on December 21st, 2021. Born in Gary, Indiana on February 4th, 1964, to parents Earl Griffis, Sr. and Julia Griffis-Murphy, Darnell’s final days were spent with friends, phone calls to parents, all his children and his brother Earl Griffis.
Growing up, Darnell was a gentle soul and a highly active kid, who loved climbing trees for apples, to give to his grandmother. Darnell and Earl were always passing time after school and summers with their “best friends” Meechie, John-John and the other Lincoln Street Crew. Nicknamed “Too Tall & Big D”, Darnell loved being his brother’s biggest competition and supporter, as they were often competing in basketball, baseball, swimming, and other youthful experiences. After attending Horace Mann Senior High School, he traveled to Atlanta in the 1980’s, where he would meet and marry another Gary, Indiana native, Luquietta King. In the years to follow, together they would have three children, Lauren, the birth of his only son Darnell, Jr. in 1987 and his youngest baby girl Dericka’ Griffis thereafter.
A jack of all trades that loved to fish and play cards specifically Bid Whiz, “Big D” could often be found building computers, fixing cars, playing a game of chess, water fights with his kids, and of course, using his CB radio to talk with all his CB family, Mask Man, Blue Steel and a host of others.
Darnell was a faithful family-oriented man who loved to go to church in his finest of linen. He had an impact on everyone he touched. He was the most sensitive, charming, and loving, son, brother, uncle and father. He is survived by his mother, Julia Griffis-Murphy (Step-father Corsey); his father, Earl Griffis. Sr. (step-mother Beverly); brother, Earl Griffis, III; stepbrothers, Terrence and Darren Murphy; three children, Lauren Goods, Darnell Lamar (Nancy) Griffis, Jr. and Dericka’ Griffis; 3 grandkids, Colton Landeros, Zemira Griffis and Elizabeth Griffis; aunt, Rose Thruston; uncles, Jerome and Rickey and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. His angels in Heaven include sister, Machelle Taylor; uncles, Frank, Larry and John; and his beloved grandparents.
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