Edward Lee “Rocky” Griffitts, 79, of Jacksonville, died Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at Heritage Health in Jacksonville. He was born June 8, 1943, in Springfield, the son of Edward Lee and Mary Marie Stone Griffitts. Rocky married Mary Diane Volk on October 24, 1970, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Mt. Sterling, and she preceded him in death on January 21, 2012.

Rocky is survived by five children, Michael (fiancé, Tia Wessel) Griffitts of Jacksonville, Rebecca Griffitts of Springfield, Brian (Christine) Griffitts of Fishers, Indiana, and Amy (Adam) Davis and Julie (Anthony Maquet) Griffitts, both of Jacksonville; eight grandchildren, Kody Kuhlman and Jacob Kuhlman, both of Springfield, Brady Griffitts and Ava Griffitts, both of Fishers, Indiana, Adey Griffitts, Beau Griffitts, Griffin Davis and Meg Davis, all of Jacksonville, one great-grandson, Brixton Kuhlman of Springfield, and his special friend Linda Terwische of Jacksonville. He was eagerly expecting his tenth grandchild in March. He was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Bailey Jean Maquet, and one sister, Joyce File.

Rocky was raised in Springfield where he spent his days hunting, fishing, trapping, and bowling. He was proud to be a Lanphier High School graduate where he was ranked 4th in the state in wrestling and wore #41 for the Lions football team. He met his wife Mary at the King Pin Bowling Alley in Springfield. Rocky served in the United States Army Guard from 1964-1970. He later worked as an operating engineer for City Water Light and Power in Springfield for 38 years.

Rocky was an avid outdoorsman and lover of animals. He raised foxes, quail, and rabbits at home and in addition to his hunting dogs, even had a pet racoon “Rascal” and pet fox “Suzie.” Following his retirement, fishing became part of his daily routine, and he carried a fishing pole wherever he went. He kept over 100 area farm ponds stocked with fish. He was a great cook and well-known for his annual “Rocky’s Fish Fry” at his friend Joe’s farm, where he fried fish for countless guests over the years. Rocky enjoyed spending time on the family farm near Mt. Sterling where he was able to enjoy the outdoors and share it with his children. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed canning and giving away his produce. A big sports fan, Rocky never missed his children’s and grandchildren’s activities and would even attend their practices. He loved visiting with people and making new friends. For many years he camped at Starlite Campground on Lake Jacksonville and was a member of the Moose and Elks clubs.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at Church of Our Saviour in Jacksonville, with burial and military rites at Calvary Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Williamson Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the Routt Bass Fishing Team or the West Central Bass Fishing Team. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.