Dennis Michael Griffin

Dennis Michael Griffin passed away peacefully at Lima Memorial Health System on August 17, 2025, just days after celebrating his 75th birthday. Born on August 14, 1950, to the late Charlie W. Griffin Sr. and Gladys Curry Griffin, Dennis was raised in faith as a member of Good Samaritan Missionary Baptist Church from a young age. He attended Lucy C. Laney High School, and upon graduation, proudly joined the United States Navy. While serving aboard the USS Saint Paul, Dennis became a member of the ship’s boxing team—winning a few, losing a few, but always enjoying the sport and camaraderie. After his military service, Dennis moved to Long Beach, California, where he attended Long Beach College and graduated in 1975. He went on to work as an engineer at Procter & Gamble, later transferring to Lima, Ohio, in 1987, where he remained until his retirement. Dennis was known for his love of storytelling and spending time with loved ones. His sharp wit, sense of humor, and welcoming personality made him someone others naturally gravitated toward. He had a gift for making people laugh and feel at ease. He is survived by his fiancé and life partner, Goldie Stevens; his children, Michael Griffin (Nina) and Michelle Griffin; his sister, Carolyn Boone; brothers, Carl Griffin Sr. (Carrie) and Darryl Griffin (Lorine); and grandchildren, Alexis, Kaden, Kinsley, and Brayden. He also leaves behind a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Dennis was preceded in death by his brothers, Charlie W. Griffin Jr. (Lorice) and Alfred T. Griffin Sr. (Nancy); and sisters, Evelyn Melton (Alvin) and Patricia Caine (Robert), brother-in-law, William Boone, and sister-in-law, Yvonne Griffin. Dennis will be remembered for his generous heart, his unforgettable life stories, and his singing voice, which could fill a room with joy no matter the song. His memory will live on in the lives he touched and the stories shared by those who knew and loved him. Funeral services will be 4:00 p.m., Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta, with his sister-in-law, Lorice Oates Griffin of Augusta, Georgia, officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home. Military rites will be conducted at the funeral home by the Wapakoneta V.F.W. Post #8445. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

Dennis Michael Griffin

August 14, 1950 - August 17, 2025