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James Michael Griggs

James Michael Griggs, 76, passed away at his home in Dothan, after a long illness.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 9, 2026, at Memphis Baptist Church with Reverend Jim Tate officiating and with Glover Funeral Home & Crematory of Dothan directing. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 10:45 a.m., prior to the service.

He was born on the campus of The University of Alabama on February 5, 1950, “Roll Tide!” His parents were Hugo Black Griggs & Betty Louise (Stewart) Griggs of Dothan.

Michael was a longtime member of Heritage Baptist Church and had been attending Memphis Baptist Church until becoming ill. He was a 1968 graduate of Dothan High School and attended Wallace Community College and studied art at Troy State University.

Michael retired from the City of Dothan after 37 years of service in the Engineering Department, beginning as a surveyor and retiring as an engineering assistant. For 27 years he enjoyed making a difference, serving as both co-chairman and chairman of the Dothan Employee Relief Fund Committee while working with the City of Dothan. In his spare time, he also helped his father and grandfather, J.C. Griggs, with the family flooring business.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugo Black Griggs and Betty Louise (Stewart) Griggs.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 40 years, Sally Tillman Griggs of Dothan, they were married on July 31, 1986.

He was blessed to have two daughters, Heather Sherie Griggs Harley (David) of Greenville, SC, and Anna Catherine Griggs Cornelius (Clark) of Dothan. Through his marriage to Sally, he was also blessed with two stepsons, Scott McLelland (Tina) of Maui, HI, and Chase McLelland (Stacey) of Pensacola, FL.

Additional survivors include his siblings, Stewart Griggs (Nanci) of Cartersville, GA; Margaret Griggs Green (Bill) of Dothan, and Beth Griggs McNeal (Bobby) of Dallas, TX; his six grandchildren, Sierra Harley, Amery Morehead Delamarter (Marc), Eve Morehead, Linden Morehead, Ava Morehead, and Isabella Morehead; and his aunt, Sara Griggs Elliott of Madrid.

Michael was a gifted drummer, playing since the age of 13. Music became a lifelong passion which he shared with the community by performing with numerous bands in the Wiregrass Area over more than 55 years. Among the bands he most enjoyed were The Beatnicks (his first band), Stoneground, Alabama (the original, not the one you’re thinking of!), Dear Creek, Flashback, Flambeau, Jeff Golden and the Flames, and the City of Dothan Band. Through his music, he brought joy to countless people.

He was always a peacemaker and gave freely whenever he could to both friends and strangers alike, doing whatever was necessary for those he loved. He leaves a legacy of peace, kindness, generosity, and love as big as his heart.

Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice in his memory.

The family appreciates all the love, prayers, and support given during this time.