Tributes

Ellis “Bear” Griffin passed away on August 30, 2025 in Crawfordville, Florida. He was born in Metcalf, Georgia on May 21, 1949 to parents Oscar and Inez Griffin and was the fourth son of 7 siblings. Ellis grew up farming and working to help his family. He learned how to fix cars and would later make a career of auto mechanic work. He was enlisted in the United States Army and loved serving his country. Ellis served much of his time in Anchorage, Alaska and was then transferred to Watertown, New York to help set up Camp Drum where he met Maureen, his future wife of 52 years. After being honorably discharged, he married Maureen and started a family, He worked as a wrecker driver and would later begin his career as an auto mechanic with his partner. They owned and operated a successful auto shop, Bear & Whitley’s Auto, for 20 years. After selling the shop, he started working at a local funeral home before being offered the position of a fleet heavy equipment mechanic with City of Tallahassee, his favorite job ever! Ellis is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife Maureen Griffin, as well as his two brothers Ervin and Allen Griffin. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Barrett (John); grandchildren Shaun Barrett and Jordan Prost (Justin); siblings Randall Griffin (Patricia), Frank Griffin (Joan), Mary Sisco (Richard) and Jean Coggins (Stacey). He also leaves behind many friends and extended family who loved him. The family will be receiving guests for a visitation at Bevis Funeral Home on Thursday, September 4, 2025 from 6:00-8:00pm. A funeral service will be held at Bevis Funeral Home on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 11:00am with a committal service at Tallahassee National Cemetery to follow at 1:00pm. Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Ellis N. Griffin

May 21, 1949 - August 30, 2025