Richard D. Griggs of Charleston passed away peacefully in his home in the early morning hours of May 8, 2024.

One of 10, Richard was born in Rush Ridge, Missouri to Leonidas (Lee) and Jettie Griggs on January 19, 1934. He attended Rush Ridge school where, at three years old, he followed his older siblings down the road one day and his teacher simply allowed him to stay. He grew up picking cotton on his family farm until the age of 17, when Richard left home to serve aboard USS Block Island (CVE-106) with his brother Morris Griggs in the US Navy. During his service, Richard began writing letters home to a young woman he had been known to tease in school – Peggy Jo Griggs (Brown). The two married in April 1957, and shared 66 lovingly devoted years together.

Richard joined ABF Trucking in 1966, quickly becoming actively involved in his union, taking an interest in labor law and becoming a trusted labor resource among his peers. Over 10 years of long haul drives, Richard taught himself labor law on tape and found his calling advocating for workers and fair labor practices. In 1994 Richard proudly retired as President and Business Agent of Teamsters Local 574.

In his retirement Richard could be found all over Charleston tending to countless yards, always paying them as much care and attention as he did his own. He served his community as a devoted member of Masonic Lodge for 50 years, dutifully serving as Treasurer and Secretary.

But nothing in his career or retirement compared to the pride Richard took in his family, including his daughters, granddaughters, and wife of 66 years. His love, devotion, and determination to provide for his family never waivered, all the way up to his final hours.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonidas (Lee) and Jettie Griggs; brothers, Leonard, Robert, Douglas, Morris, and Nathan Griggs; sisters, Virginia Moss, Earline Manor, and Irma Crecelius. Richard is survived by his wife Peggy Jo Griggs; daughters Tami Cox and Dawn Scherer (Anthony), grand-daughters, Mamie Cox and Cori Butler; brother, Sam Griggs, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Richard could always be counted on for a historical fact, a political discourse, and a kind word. He was the Best of Men, and was told this frequently by any who were lucky enough to know him.

He passed comfortably in his home in Charleston, surrounded by his beloved books and much more beloved family. This family will be forever altered by his passing, but they are comforted by the knowledge that this grief is the price paid for having such a man be so utterly devoted to them and their wellbeing for the better part of their lives. The love he gave them was special, and so is the love he got in return.

Richard's family would like to share their special thanks to Crown Hospice, for the care, love, and dignity they provided him and his family in his final weeks.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m, Saturday, May 11, 2024, at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston with Masonic Rites starting at 11:00 a.m. and the funeral service to follow.

Interment will follow with full military honors at Smith-Griggs Cemetery near Wyatt, MO.

Pallbearers will be Anthony Scherer, Joel Battles, Mike Masterson, Richard Conn, Gary Lynn and Scott Brink.

In lieu of flowers, plants and gift items, memorials may be made in Richard's memory to Crown Hospice, 2858 Professional Ct. Cape Girardeau, MO 63703 or to Masonic Home of Missouri, 6033 Masonic Drive, Suite A, Columbia, MO 63202