Ed Griffitts

Edward Lee Griffitts, 66, of Chattanooga, passed away with his family at his side on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014, in a local hospital. Affectionately known to many as "Cornbread", he grew up in the Chattanooga area and was a son of the late Thomas Engle and Lillie Lou Russell Griffitts. Ed graduated from Kirkman High School and served in the United States Army Reserves into the late 1980s. He worked for the city of Chattanooga, beginning in the police department, having worked in the homicide, auto theft, task-force and arson divisions. Ed later moved to the Chattanooga Fire Department where he became an EMT and paramedic. Ed later entered RN school, graduating from Chattanooga State in 1989. He retired from the Chattanooga Fire Department in 2001 after 28 years of service but continued nursing until 2008. Ed was active in the Republican Party his entire adult life. He worked extensively throughout Hamilton and Marion Counties, as well as on several state and federal campaigns. Ed had made his home in Marion County for the past 33 years and enjoyed serving as Chairman of the County Election Commission. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a sister, Dora Taylor. Survivors include his loving wife of 33 years, Connie Sexton Griffitts; daughters, Cassandra Griffitts-Welden (Wesley) and Rebekah Schlotterbeck (Christian); two granddaughters, Alyssa Welden and Abigail Schlotterbeck; great-grandchildren, Travis and Paje Welden; and a brother, Robert Griffitts. A funeral service will be held 3 p.m. today, Jan. 12, 2014, in the funeral home chapel. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. today until the hour of the service at the funeral home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.hamiltonfuneraloptions.com. Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services; 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, 423-531-3975.