Charles "Skip" Hugh Griffies Sr.

Charles “Skip” Griffies, lovingly known as Papa Skip to his grandchildren and Coach Griffies to his student-athletes, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025, at the age of 80, surrounded by family in Port St. Joe, FL. Born on April 15, 1945, in Macon, Georgia, Skip lived a life full of purpose, service, and compassion. A graveside ceremony will be held in his honor at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Oak Hill Cemetery with Allen Gray McMillan officiating.

Skip was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Hugh Griffies and Fannie Mae Griffies, and by his cherished daughter, Ginger Clark Griffies.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Jane Ruth Clark, son Charles “Chuck” Hugh Griffies Jr. and daughter Brenda Griffies; and his treasured grandchildren, Presley Griffies (Tampa, FL) and Judson Griffies (Port St. Joe, FL). He also leaves behind a legacy of former students, players, and friends whose lives were forever shaped by his wisdom, patience, and quiet strength.

A proud graduate of Childersburg High School (Class of 1963), Skip was a talented student-athlete who had the incredible honor of playing under legendary Coach Bear Bryant in the Alabama All-State game that same year. He went on to earn his degree from Samford University in 1967, where he was an active member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.

Coach Griffies dedicated his life to education. He taught and coached at Childersburg High School (1967–1970), Talladega High School (1970–1972), and the Alabama School for the Deaf (1974–1978, 1981–1987), where he led his team to a national championship. He also served as an instructor of college prep and driver training for the deaf at EH Gentry and later retired from the Helen Keller School in 1997.

He was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church in Port St. Joe and volunteered with heart at the Two Fish Ministries, always lending a hand where it was needed most.

Throughout his life, Skip found joy on the water. While living in Alabama, he spent most mornings fishing on Logan Martin Lake and never passed up the chance to compete in a fishing tournament. After moving to Florida in 2005, he traded in freshwater for the saltwater, enjoying countless days bay fishing with his best friends. Skip was also a passionate supporter of Alabama football and a proud member of the University of Alabama’s Red Elephant Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Ginger Griffies Scholarship Fund at Talladega First Methodist, 400 South Street East, Talladega, AL 35160.

Howard Ray, Jason McKinney, Taylor Benton, Jay Milam, Jay Mitchell, Jack Hamilton, Daniel Patterson, Mark Stewart, and Tony Howard will serve as pallbearers.

George Elliot, Ronnie Crocker, Bill Benton, Darryl Ray, Bill Armistead, Tommy Limbaugh, Andy Brown, Bill Gerspacher, Irvin Sigler, Gary Howell, Childersburg High School Football Teams (1967-1970), Talladega High School Football Teams (1970-1972), and ASD Football Teams (1978-1978 and 1981-1987) will serve as honorary pallbearers.

He was a coach, mentor, husband, father, and Papa- and he will be missed beyond measure.

Online condolences may be offered at www.usreyfuneralhome.com.

Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega is directing the services.