Philip Wayne Griffitts Sr.

1945 - 2020

Philip Wayne Griffitts, Sr.
Panama City Beach - Philip Wayne Griffitts, Sr. - August 21, 1945 - December 3, 2020
It is with an insurmountable amount of sadness that we announce the passing of Philip Wayne Griffitts Sr., 75, of Panama City Beach. Philip, or Flipper, as he was called by many loved ones, entered the pearly gates of heaven Thursday afternoon after a tough battle with COVID-19.
Philip was born on August 21, 1945 at Tyndall Air Force Base; formerly known as Tyndall Field. He attended local schools throughout his youth before graduating from Bay High School in 1963. After graduation, he worked as a lineman for Southern Bell. While working for Southern Bell, he met the love of his life Jerrilyn Phillips. He and Jerrilyn were married in 1968 and soon after in 1971, their first son, Philip Wayne "Griff" Griffitts Jr. was born. He then went on to attend Troy University (formerly Troy State) where he graduated with a degree in Business and Marketing. Years after graduation, he was inducted into the Troy University Marketing Hall of Fame. Upon graduating, Philip returned as a manager at Southern Bell. To avoid job transfer, Philip borrowed $5,000 from his father in law to purchase a 13 room hotel on the west end of Panama City Beach called the Bel Mar Court. Philip and his young family moved into the newly named Sugar Sands Motel and started what would be his lifelong job in the hospitality business. In April of 1979, while still living in the hotel, Philip and Jerrilyn had their second son James Matthew Griffitts.
In his 75 years of life, Philip accomplished many things that paved the way for Panama City Beach to grow into the city it is today. He, along with his family, ran the Sugar Sands and La Quinta Inn & Suites until they were sold in January 2018. He had a long list of businesses under his belt, ranging from starting the first rental equipment store on Panama City Beach, A-1 Rental Center. He owned and operated Beach Package Store, Miracle Strip Liquors, Emerald Coast Liquors, Griffitts Investments, Islander Motel, and La Quinta Inn & Suites.
Never one to shy away from a challenge, Philip entered politics in 1982 when he became the Mayor of Panama City Beach. Philip left his mark on the community during his time as mayor. He was the longest standing mayor of Panama City Beach at 18 years from 1982 to 2000. He was instrumental in starting the first after school program in Panama City Beach which later evolved into the beach location of the Boys and Girls Club. The building used for the program was named the Philip W. Griffitts Community Center in his honor. Philip was directly involved in the development and building of Frank Brown Park, where the community center is located. Furthermore, he went on to establish, with the family of Dick Arnold, the first high school in Panama City Beach - J.R. Arnold High School. Philip loved his community and did everything he could to promote it.
Philip's accomplishments don't stop there, he served as the Chairman of the Bay County Tourist Development Council, Board of Peoples First Bank and Executive Board of the Seminole Boosters. His love of serving others also lead to him joining the Shriners, Masonic Lodge and the Krewe of Dominique Youx.
While he dedicated himself to his community, Philip's first priorities were his family, friends and Florida State Football. He loved bream fishing, traveling in his motor home, Crown Royal, FSU, his dog Bella, his friends, but most of all, his family. His love for his grandchildren was overwhelming
and overflowing. Once his first grandchild was born in 1996, he forever became known as "Papa".
Philip's mark wasn't only through his accomplishments, but in the impact he left on every person who's path he crossed. He was always there to keep everyone laughing and was known for his sarcastic remarks. His humor was what kept him going through his cancer, heart condition, and seven back surgeries. Even while extremely sick, the nurses all remarked that he kept them laughing every day.
Philip was baptized at a young age and grew up very religious in the Methodist Church. He was welcomed into heaven with open arms by his mother and father Clara and Elmer Griffitts, his sister Raye Mckeever, and his grandson William Philip Griffitts, who he's now holding in his loving arms.
Philip is survived by his wife of 52 years Jerrilyn Griffitts, his oldest son Griff Griffitts along with his spouse Laura Griffitts and their two children Katie and Anna Claire Griffitts, and his younger son Matt Griffitts and his spouse Patrice Griffitts and their children Braydon Griffitts, Calvin Smith and Caylee Smith, a very special cousin Jacki Southerland and her spouse Shane Southerland and her children Noel and Ricky Ramie III. Along with his immediate family, he is survived by so many loving family and friends it would be impossible to name them all. A special thanks to Dr. Vicky Harrell and her staff for all the excellent care through the years.
In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you please donate to the Anchorage Children's Home on his behalf.
Due to current circumstances, a celebration of life will be held in the spring. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted at www.southerlandfamily.com