Michael Philip Griffith of Seaford, passed away at his home on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020.
He was born on May 29, 1956 in Seaford, the son of Tina and the late Rawlins Hearn Griffith.
Michael built his career in retail management, first working at the family owned Hearn and Rawlins Flour Mill when he was just a boy. He later partnered with his family in the auto parts business at M & R Auto Supply. Mike also had many successful years in grocery store management with the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company starting in his teen years and working through adulthood.
Mike worked hard and he played hard. In his early years he raced stock cars in Delmar and was a tried and true NASCAR fan, especially rooting for Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr. Mike enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and boating were particular passions of his. He also loved working on cars and hotrods. Mike always was a big jokester, when asked for his name in an exam room, you would hear the reply, “uh, Fred Flintstone.” Mike maintained a positive attitude even through his illness and often kept his nurses laughing. Above all, Mike cherished time spent with those he held most dear. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, son, grandfather, brother, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Michael is survived by his wife, Deborah A. Griffith of Seaford; his mother, Tina Griffith (Emerson Stevens) of Seaford; his daughter, Wendy Griffith Peterman (Barry) of Lincoln; his stepdaughter, Sara Batchelder of Seaford; his grandchildren, Olivia Batchelder and Evan Batchelder of Seaford; his sister, Donna Vanderwende (Jimmie) of Bridgeville; and his loyal furry friends, Bentley and Jaxx.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 17, at Watson-Yates Funeral Home, 609 E. King St., Seaford, where friends may visit from 10 to 11. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Michael’s memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE St., #800, Miami, FL 33131.
Please visit Michael’s life memorial webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.watsonyatesfuneralhome.com.