Hugh C. Griffith's Obituary
Big Rapids Hugh C. Griffith Jr., 81, of Reed City, passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2009, at Spectrum Health in Reed City. He was born January 28, 1928, in Colesville, New York, the son of Hugh C. and Elizabeth (Jones) Griffith, and served with the United States Army during World War II. In 1949, he married Shirley A. Hannigan, they moved to Big Rapids in 1958. Hugh taught English at Ferris State University for 34 years until retiring. He served as faculty advisor to Veterans Club at Ferris for many years, as well as delivering Memorial Day addresses to the City of Big Rapids to honor those who gave the greatest sacrifice for their country. Hugh also published a book of poems, The Wings of Icarus, among his other scholarly publications. He moved to Reed City in 1998, where he had lived since. Hugh was a former member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Big Rapids, and currently a member of the Reed City Church of the Nazarene. Hughs wife Shirley preceded him in death in 2005. Surviving are 3 sons, Hugh (Amy) Jr. of Delta, Pennsylvania, Richard (Kimberly) of Columbia, Maryland, and David (Jannet) of Big Rapids; 1 daughter, Ann (Brenden) Kettner of Benecia, California; 8 grandchildren, Catrin, Joseph, Matthew, Andrew, Patrick, Catherine, Ryan, and Michael; and a brother Richard (Margaret) Griffith of Olathe, Kansas. Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m., Monday May 10, 2009, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor Chris DeMott officiating. Burial will be in the Woodland Cemetery in Reed City. Hughs family will greet friends at the funeral home after 1:00 p.m. on Monday.
What’s your fondest memory of Hugh?
What’s a lesson you learned from Hugh?
Share a story where Hugh's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Hugh you’ll never forget.
How did Hugh make you smile?