ELVIS LAWRENCE GRIGGS

July 2, 1957 ~ June 29, 2017 (age 59)

June 29, 2017 was the season and time for God to claim one of his own, Elvis Lawrence Griggs, Sr. (Big E). During his final hours, he was surrounded by his loving family.  Elvis was born July 2, 1957 to Joe Anna Ammons Griggs and Luther Griggs, Sr. in Bolivar, Tennessee.  He was the eighth child and the elder of twins born to this union of twelve children. He was preceded in death by his father, brother, Terry Brint Griggs, and two loving sisters, Vivian Joyce Griggs-Jenkins/Williams, and Wanda Kay Griggs Polk.

His funeral service was held on Saturday July 8, 2017 at 12:00 pm at the Bethlehem MB Church with pastor Arthur Becton in charge. Burial was in the Church Cemetery and Dixie Funeral Home www.dixiefuneralhome.com was in charge of the professional service.

The fall of 1963 was the season and time for Elvis to begin his education.  He attended elementary and high school in Hardeman County.  He graduated from Bolivar Central High School in 1975. Even though his parents wanted him to follow the family tradition of his older siblings by attending Lane College, he opted to enter the workforce.

The fall of 1969 was the season and time that Elvis professed a hope in Jesus Christ. He united with the New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church where he enjoyed attending with his siblings and friends.  Later, he joined the Bethlehem M.B. Church in Bolivar, TN and remained a member until his death.

A season and time of love and to extend the branches of his family tree.  Elvis was united in holy matrimony to the late Renee Pratt in 1981. This union was blessed with two loving children, Kyra Renee and Elvis Lawrence (Jay) Griggs. Jr.  Later, in 2013, he married Sandra W. Sutherland.

A season and time to enter the world of work.  Elvis began his career at Western Mental Health Institute.  Eventually, he was employed by Thyssen Krupp Elevator company.  His excellent work ethics were recognized by the company when he was promoted to supervisor.  He remained an employee until his health failed.

 A season and time to be involved in many aspects of sport.  Elvis enjoyed playing and coaching the city youth league.  He was a fan of many sports.  He also enjoyed watching basketball games; the L. A. Lakers was his favorite team.  Furthermore, he loved golf and was an avid golfer.

On June 29, 2017, the season and time came for Elvis to depart from his earthly home.  He leaves to cherish his memory, a loving wife: Sandra W. Sutherland Griggs; two children who he loved dearly, Kyra Renee Griggs (special friend: Marshall Martin) and Elvis Lawrence (Jay) Griggs, Jr. (Fiancée:  Hope Edwards) of Hermitage, TN. a loving mother:  Joe Anna Griggs of Bolivar, TN., two step sons:  Kevin and Richard Sutherland of Memphis, TN, two grandchildren:  Kensington and Harlam of Hermitage, TN., two-step grandchildren:  Rishun and Jordan Sutherland of Memphis, TN., four sisters: Elizabeth Boyd (Charles), Mamie Polk (Thomas), and Dr. Yvonne Allen of Bolivar, TN., and Diane Jeffries (Lynn) of Jackson, TN., and two cousins like sisters:  Helen Johnson of Bolivar, TN., and Dorothy Patton (Robert) of Shelby, MS., four brothers: Luther Griggs, Jr. (Jean), Zackery Griggs, Presley Griggs, Sr. (Verna) and Derrell Griggs of Bolivar, TN., two sister-in-laws: Connie Hill (Ronald) and Laura Barlow (Alan) of Memphis, TN., one brother-in-law: Tommy Winfrey Jr. (Kimberly) of Rochester, NY., four aunts: Ella Mae Taylor (Renard) of Rockford, IL., Dorothy Becton (Arthur) of Memphis, TN., Mary Brown (Albert) of Chicago, IL., and Esther Caudle (Henry) of Nashville, TN. 

He also leaves a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and co-workers.  Additionally, he leaves his special girls, his twin brother’s granddaughters: Autumn and Springlynn Griggs and Londyn Lindsay.

 Service Information