[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 12, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E829-E830]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE LIFE OF MICHAEL ELAINE ``MIKE'' GRIFFIN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 12, 2023

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
life and achievements of Michael Elaine ``Mike'' Griffin, a lifelong 
resident of Ripley, Mississippi. Mike passed away on Monday, September 
4, 2023, at age 62.
  Mike was born July 13, 1961, in Ripley, Mississippi, to the late 
Sylvesta Elaine and Martha Criswell Griffin. He was a 1979 graduate of 
Ripley High School and continued his education at Northeast Mississippi 
Community College, where he worked on a technical degree as an 
electrician.
  Upon deciding to pursue a military career instead, Mike enlisted in 
the United States Marine Corps in 1980 and proudly served his country 
as a Rifleman and Remote Sensor Specialist until 1986. His spirit for 
adventure and service to his community led to his training and 
responsibilities as a State Trooper in 1987. On June 2, 1990, Mike 
married his beloved wife, the former Edna Huddleston of Falkner, 
Mississippi. On June 30, 2021, after 34 years of proudly and faithfully 
serving the State of Mississippi, Mike retired and was assigned as a 
government affairs liaison. Throughout his journey, he always strived 
to improve himself and contribute positively to his colleagues. His 
exceptional friendliness and kindness left a lasting impression on all 
who had the privilege of knowing him.
  A member of the Church of Christ, Mike served as an Elder and Deacon 
for many years and was also an active member of the Lion's Club. He was 
an Ole Miss and Dallas Cowboy football fan, enjoyed dining out with 
family and friends, tending to his yard, and adored his wife and 
daughter. Mike was a man of immense character and kindness, a

[[Page E830]]

pillar of his church and community, and beloved by all who knew him. 
His last selfless act was a testament to the caring soul he embodied 
following a life of dedication and service to his family, friends, 
community, state, and country.
  Mike is survived by multiple loved ones, and memories of him will 
continue to be shared by Edna, his wife of 33 years; his daughter, 
Olivia Griffin of Oxford, Mississippi; one brother, Ricky Griffin; two 
half-sisters, Diane Cost (David) and Nina Lowry (Paul); his father-in-
law, Wade Huddleston; sisters-in-law, Linda Bond (Kurt), Laura Green 
(Scott), and Myra Simmons (Stacy); and a host of nieces, nephews, many 
friends.

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