ATHENS, Tenn. — David Lee Griffith, of Athens, Tenn., formerly of Clinton, passed away at 10:05 a.m. on Friday, August 24, 2018, surrounded by his family.

David was born on February 4, 1955, in Clinton, the son of Bob Griffith and Lucretia Mandrell Powless.

David leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Brenda Austin Griffith; four children, Christy Partin, of Athens, Tenn.; Stacey (Jerry) Russell, of Sweetwater, Tenn.; Cindy (Ryan) Burns, of Decatur, Ill., and David Michael Griffith, of Tellico, Tenn.

David also was a loving grandfather to 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, whom he adored.

He is survived by his mother Lucretia Powell and by one brother, Roger (Sandra) Griffith, three sisters, Cynthia Fought, Michelle (Marvin) DeJaynes, Betty (Josh) Vandervort; also, his step-mother, Gerry Griffith, one step-brother, John Maltby, all of Clinton, and two step-sisters, Susan Swearingen, Clinton, and Ellen Hemphill, of Las Vegas, Nev.

David also is survived by his father-in-law, Duane Austin, and two sisters-in-law, Norma Clark and Beverly Palmer, and one brother-in-law, Danny Austin.

He was preceded in death by his father Bob Griffith, step-father, Merle Powless, mother-in-law Ruth Austin, and step-sister, Sherri Villa.

David fought a very courageous battle against cancer.  He will be missed by a family who loved him.