Gail Lee Griggs

Gail Lee Griggs, of Independence, MO, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 25th, 2020 at 73 years young.
Gail was a Navy Veteran serving aboard the USS Severn as a Fireman and Damage Controlman after graduating. He also continued service in the National Guard as an E5 Sergeant before moving to Missouri in 1990. He met Jeannine while stationed in Newport, Rhode Island in 1971 and the love story of a lifetime ensued. They were married a year later and their love only grew stronger over 48 years. Gail enjoyed playing poker at the American Legion in Swansea, Massachusetts and he really loved to play golf. That is until the day he broke his ankle on the course, in what he described as a comical attempt to jump over a hole to impress his buddies, only to land in it and break his ankle! He retold the story giggling at himself in between ouchies. It was about this time, he turned his focus to Chess. He always loved the game of Chess and when he got his first computer, it was on. He played with players from all over the world in an online chess forum and he became quite good, playing at a masters level.
Gail worked his way up from the mail room to retire from the VA Medical Center several years ago and enjoyed a very busy, fulfilling retirement with his wife, Jeannine. He enjoyed driving for Uber for a short time and was given the nickname the Uber goober as he was always the comedian. He was always a giving man, volunteering his time as the Bingo caller every Monday at a local restaurant for friends of Fairmount Community Center. He loved his family more than anything. He loved the Chiefs and was so excited when they won the superbowl in 2020! He was the most accepting generous man adored by all he met. He was everyone's friend, neighbor, dad, and grandpa. He even enjoyed playing Santa at local events for children and seniors alike. There wasn't a person whom he met that didn't adore him. He is loved and will be missed by all!
He was preceded in death by his parents, Otis Ray Griggs and Roselma (Fox); his brother-in-law, Mark Thaddeus Vautrin and his daughter, Mary Jean Griggs.
Gail leaves behind his beloved wife of 48 years, Jeannine Theresa (Vautrin) Griggs; his daughter Sara-Ellen Griggs; his granddaughters Kayla Ann (Griggs) Arlint and Miranda Louise Griggs; his great grandson, Jack James Arlint; his great granddaughter Arwen Laurel Ardolino; his sisters Cynthia Kay (Griggs) Shotts, Susan Nanette (Griggs) Purcell Rush, and Debra Jan (Griggs) Deines and so many nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by so many extended family members including Jeannine's daughter Sharleen Froilan, her children and grandchild.
Due to COVID restrictions services will be held at a later date.