Chester F. Griffin

Chester F. Griffin, age 87, of Canton, passed away peacefully at home May 7, 2023.

Chet was born March 29, 1936, to Chester M. and Mildred (Stoner) Griffin. He was a life resident of Canton. Chet was a retired Teamster and worked 38 years, first at B&P Motor Express, and then Preston Trucking before retiring in 1994. Chet’s faith in Christ was of utmost importance to him and he was a faithful member of Canton Baptist Temple for over 60 years, serving as an usher.

Chet’s favorite thing to talk about or read about was movies. He was an expert on Hollywood films, mostly those made between 1935 and 1965, and especially loved B movies, Westerns, and serials. One of his favorite tests of his knowledge was to see how many cast members he could name from a selected movie, and also try to get them in the correct order of billing. Some of his most treasured memories in life involved the time he spent in theaters in downtown Canton in the 1950’s; most of all the Strand Theater, where he watched countless hours of films of all types, including those featuring his favorite actor, Roy Barcroft.

Chet was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He left innumerable memories for his family to cherish and gave them enough material to laugh about to last a lifetime. With Chet, what you saw was what you got-an honest man who lived simply and with integrity and worked hard to ensure his family had the best life he could give them.

Along with his parents, Chet was preceded in death by his daughter, Kelly, and great-grandson, Grayson Lewis, as well as two brothers, Bob and Kenny, and a sister, Doris. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Marlene (Thorley), who he married March 29, 1956 and with whom he celebrated 67 years of marriage; his son, Jim (Stacy) of North Canton, and Tim (Susan) of Canton; his four grandchildren, Andrew, Adam (Angelina), Cory (Joanna), and Cami (Adam Lewis); his four great grandchildren, Eli, Brady, Oliver, and Claire; his son-in-law, David Lynch; two brothers, Bill of Canton and Jim (Karen) of Arlington, Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews as well as friends.

The family wishes to thank Absolute Hospice, especially Tiffany and Tara, for their care and compassion.

Funeral service will be 11:00am Friday, in the Canton Baptist Temple with Pastor Jake Tovissi and Delaney Young officiating. Interment will be in Sunset Hills Burial Park. Friends may call Thursday 5:00- 8:00pm in the Canton Baptist Temple and one hour prior to the service on Friday. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Chet’s name to the Canton Baptist Temple. Please sign the tribute page.

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