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After a brief battle with cancer, Lee “Bruty” Griffith, age 81, of Mendon, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at Bronson Hospital surrounded by his beloved family.
Lee was born on September 7, 1944 to John and Edna (Forney) Griffith in Savannah, Illinois. The family relocated to Michigan, and Lee graduated from Mendon High School in 1962. In 1965, Lee married Sue Batten, and together they raised four children who all remain living in Mendon.
In the late 60’s, Lee started working at GM (Fisher Body) in Kalamazoo. He moved to the Hydra-Matic division in Three Rivers, which is now American Axle. He started working on the line and ended as the union training representative for his last several years before finally retiring in 2008. He loved car shows, casino trips, Detroit Tigers/Lions, the University of Michigan, but most of all, spending time with his family.
Lee always felt that his community and its children were extremely important. He and his friend, Jerry Chartrand, started the Mendon Rocket Football program in 1972, and he was instrumental in making the Little League program a part of the national organization. Lee enjoyed coaching more than anything. He coached Constantine football with his son, Shawn, from 1995 to 2021. He also helped his daughter, Leasa, coach basketball at Mendon.
Lee is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sue; his four children: Buzz (Jan) Griffith, Leasa (Shannon) Mathews, Shawn (Tricia) Griffith, Shane (Dawn) Griffith, and his bonus son, Phil “Milk” Batten, all of Mendon, and one brother, Ed Griffith of Three Rivers. Lee also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Meghan (Matt) Grimm, Taylor & Jenna Griffith, Samantha (Ryan) Johnson, Sabrina (Logan) Mathews, Sydney & Owen Griffith, and Payton & Bailey Griffith. And lastly, his favorites – the great-grandchildren, Clarence, Oliver, Hudson, & Madelynn Grimm; Julianna & Jay Johnson, and Henry Mathews. Lee always bragged that his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all lived within St. Joe County.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Edna; siblings: Joan Peoples, Ray “Frog” Griffith, and Glenna Haring; his friend and brother-in-law, Terry “Dutch” Batten; and his cherished cat, Dee-Dee.
Visitation for Lee will be held at Eickhoff Funeral Home (311 W Main St., Mendon, MI 49072) on Sunday, March 22, 2026 from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm. Services will be held at Crossroads Missionary Church (22605 M-60, Mendon, MI 49072) on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 1pm with Pastor Clint Zehr officiating. Donations in Lee’s name may be made to the Constantine Football program or Mendon Little League. The family asks that you honor Lee by wearing your University of Michigan, Constantine, or Mendon gear to any visitation or the funeral service.
