William Griffith

William Marshall "Bill" Griffith

June 6, 1956 - February 16, 2025

William Marshall "Bill" Griffith, a devoted husband, father, and servant leader, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2025, at the age of 68.

Born and raised in Red Bank, TN, he was a proud graduate of Red Bank High School, Belmont University, and the Cleveland State Law Enforcement Academy. Above all, his life was guided by his unwavering faith in God, which shaped every aspect of his character, decisions, and service to others.

In 1983, at just 29 years old, he became the youngest person ever elected to the Red Bank City Commission, marking the beginning of a lifetime dedicated to leadership. Following his election, then-Governor Lamar Alexander appointed him to the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, where he worked to strengthen collaboration between state and local governments.

Throughout his career, he faithfully served in ministry and law enforcement. He was on staff at Radnor Baptist Church in Nashville, TN, pastored Round Lick Baptist Church in Watertown, TN, and later led Hopewell Baptist Church in Cleveland, TN. He also served as the Associate Pastor of First Baptist Church of Cleveland, TN, Chief Deputy Sheriff of the Bradley County Sheriff's Department, and Director of Corporate Security for Life Care Centers of America.

Beyond his professional roles, his heart for service extended to the well-being of first responders, as he served as the chaplain for all emergency service providers in Cleveland City and Bradley County. His compassion, guidance, and steadfast faith brought strength and solace to those who faced life's greatest challenges on the front lines, as well as to the victims and their families. Bill also played a major role in establishing the Emergency Services Memorial Wall to honor the men and women who lost their lives in the emergency services field. In addition, he worked extensively with Emergency Services to organize the Angel Tree program, ensuring that children from families in need received gifts during the holiday season.

His dedication to justice and public service was recognized with numerous accolades, including the prestigious Jefferson Award. However, his greatest reward was living a life that honored God, serving others with humility, and leading by example.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Delores Griffith; his beloved in-laws, John E. Turner and Robert and Ginny Taylor; his sister-in-law, Glenda Griffith; and his brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Jana Turner.

He is survived by his loving wife, Karen Griffith; his daughters, Dawn Graham and her husband, Roger Graham, and Elizabeth Griffith; his son, Daniel Griffith, and his wife, Amanda Griffith; his brother, Rick Griffith Sr.; his sister-in-law, Lynne Turner; his cherished grandchildren, Arabella, Isaac, and Chloe Zerk, and Greyson and Sloan Griffith; and his grand-dogs, Luna and Beethoven. He is also survived by many extended family members, friends, and colleagues who cherished his wisdom, kindness, and unwavering faith.

Visitation will be held at Companion Funeral Home, 2412 Georgetown Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37312, on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 4:00-8:00 p.m., and on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 12:00-2:00 p.m., followed by a celebration of life ceremony at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Kidney Foundation of Greater Chattanooga or a charity or organization of your choice.

William Marshall "Bill" Griffith's legacy of faith, integrity, and service will continue to live on in the lives he touched and the community he helped shape. His love for God and commitment to serving others will remain an inspiration to all who knew him.