Johnnie Elmer Griffith Jr.

Johnnie Elmer Griffith, Jr., 100, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at the Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center in Paducah, KY. Johnnie was born on March 5, 1924, in Paducah, KY. He was a devoted family man and Johnnie cherished his wife, children, and extended family, fostering deep and caring relationships that extended to many friends. 

Johnnie enlisted in the Army at the age of 18. He proudly served, and highly valued his time in the army. He was inducted in January 1943 and served till October 1945. He engaged in essential operations during WWII, a critical time in history. He attained the rank of PFC, with Company B, of the 359th Combat Engineers, where part of his service included going to England to build barracks and tent cities for incoming troops and training for the invasion of France. After invasion he was involved with laying pipelines across Frances to Belgium. He was then transferred back to the replacement center in France where he was assigned with Company D, of the 20th Armored Division, 20th Tank Battalion. He then traveled through France, Germany, and Munich into Austria and there he was involved in active combat duty. 

Soon, after being honorably discharged from his military service, he married the love of his life and was devotedly married for 79 years. During those years, Johnnie channeled his skills into a successful career as a mechanic and service station owner, also managing several rental properties until his retirement. His work ethic was unmatched and admired by all who knew him. 

 Johnnie was of the Christian Faith and a long-time member of Oaklawn Baptist Church. His hobbies included gardening, yardwork, and working on lawnmowers and cars. These activities reflected his love for being outdoors and for hands-on, productive pursuits.

Johnnie is survived by one son, Ron (Brenda) Griffith of Paducah; four grandchildren, Bridget (Brad) Robertson of Paducah, Jeff (Tiffany) Griffith of Paducah, Deana (John) Barlett of Hepzibah, GA, and Heather (Kelly) Larkin of Ocala, FL; step-granddaughter, Kym Guilford of Louisville, KY; several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; and nieces, and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, John E. Griffith Sr. and Emily Lorene (Mullen) Griffith; his beloved wife, Margaret York Griffith; two sons, Kenneth Griffith and Jimmy Griffith; three brothers, Billy, Jack, and Jesse; two sisters, Sylvia Kelly and Mary Thompson. 

A service honoring the life of Johnnie will be at 1:00pm on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at Lindsey Funeral Home with the Rev. Brad Walker officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. 

Friends may visit the family from 11:00am to service hour on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be left at www.lindseyfuneral.com 

Lindsey Funeral Home is honored to serve the Griffith family.