Mickie "Mick" Larry Griffis

Mickie Larry Griffis (“Mick”), 86, of Winter Haven, FL, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 29, 2026, with his wife of 65 years by his side. He was born on September 11, 1939, in Douglas, GA, to Ernest Talmadge Griffis and Foye Faye Griffis. After spending his early years there, his family moved to Jackson, SC, where he attended Jackson Middle and High School. His family later moved to Daytona Beach, FL, where he completed his final two years of high school, graduating with the Mainland High School Class of 1957. Having made many lifelong friends, he attended both JHS and MHS reunions over the years, reconnecting with classmates from both schools.

After graduating from MHS, he went to work with Pan American at Cape Canaveral and later began working in the finance department at Lockheed Martin during the booming space industry era. Mick played basketball and softball for Lockheed and also played men’s softball for Rockledge Electric while living in the Rockledge area. While working and living in the Cocoa Beach area, he met his wife, Judy Parker Griffis.

He later left Lockheed Martin to work with his father and brother David in the trucking business, forming E.T. Griffis & Sons, Inc. in Pahokee, FL, where he moved with his wife and two sons. Several years later, his daughter was born.

In the business world, Mick was known for his sharp business sense, and his handshake and word were his bond. Seeing a need for a building supply business in Pahokee, he opened Griffis Builder’s Supply while continuing to maintain the trucking business. He also sponsored a men’s softball team, Griffis Builders, for several years.

Mick was active in the Pahokee Elks Lodge and civic and community affairs, and he was named “Citizen of the Year” in 1986. He enjoyed sharing his love for grilling and cooking barbecue with family and friends.

He was known for his sharp wit, storytelling, love of country and gospel music, boating, skiing, and watching college sports on TV, but most of all for his love of family and friends. When his grandchildren arrived, they became his world.

Mick is survived by his wife of 65 years, Judy Parker Griffis of Winter Haven, FL; sons, Mickie Larry Griffis Jr. of Jacksonville, FL, and David Allen Griffis of Jacksonville, FL; daughter, Kimberly Lynn Griffis Cagle (Jeff) of Suwanee, GA; grandchildren, Sarah Cagle Pelfrey (Kyler) of Canton, GA, Clayton Cagle (Tailyn) of Salt Lake City, UT, and Lainey Cagle of Suwanee, GA; brothers, Dickie Griffis of Douglas, GA, David T. Griffis of Ormond Beach, FL, and Paul M. Griffis of Ormond Beach, FL; sister, Diane Griffis Garrett of Oceanside, CA; and many adored nieces and nephews.

In memory of Mick, donations may be made to the George C. Forsythe Good Shepherd Hospice House, 450 Arneson Ave., Auburndale, FL 33823.