Joe Griffie

Joe Griffie obituary, Exeter, CA

Joe Griffie

Joe Griffie Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Smith Family Chapel on Oct. 14, 2025.

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Joe Griffie was born in Leslie, Kentucky on February 27, 1941. He is proceeded in death with his father Burchel Griffie and his mother Dicey Griffie. His brother Dempsey Griffie, and his sister Margaret Lee. Joe has one surviving brother, Henry Griffie.
Joe Griffie, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on October 12,2025, he was surrounded by his family. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity, and joy that touched so many lives.
Joe was the devoted husband of Ruthie Griffie for 65 years, he was a proud father of Lucinda Griffie, Jerry Griffie (Debby), and Renee Lee (Jesse). His family tree flourished with nine grandchildren and a growing number of great and great-great grandchildren, each one a testament to the love he poured into his family.
A true champion in every sense, Joe's passion for drag racing wasn't just a pastime-it was something he loved, his passion. He was so proud when he retired being a race car driver, his son Jerry became the driver and currently Jerry has passed this on to Joe's grandson Jeremy. During the prime of his life, he held the championship title at Famoso Drag-strip, earning respect and love for cars extended beyond racing; he owned and operated a car lot for many years in Farmersville and Exeter, helping generations of families find their perfect car.
Joe's life was rich with friendships. He had a rare gift for making people feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether swapping stories in the garage or sharing laughter over coffee, Joe built a community of genuine love and loyalty that he had for his friends.
He will be remembered for his fearless spirit, and his unwavering devotion to family. His memory lives on in the hearts of his children, at every family gathering, and every story that he told us.
Services will be held for Joe this Friday, October 17, 2025 at Smith Family Chapel at 10:00 A.M. with burial to follow at Exeter District Cemetery....
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Janet Filiczkowski (Truesdell)

October 19, 2025

We will miss you Papa Joe I remember you being so kind to me as a kid and you always were such an inspiration to everyone you came in contact with. Go fly with the angels in heaven. We love you and will never forget you

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Smith Family Chapel

505 East Pine Street, Exeter, CA 93221

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