James "Harold" Griffey

James “Harold” Griffey, age 84, of Rainbow City, Alabama, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 10, 2025. Born in Etowah County on April 19, 1941, Harold was a graduate of Etowah High School and a dedicated veteran, having served in the Alabama Army National Guard for 23 years. During his military service, he also began his first career with the Coca-Cola Bottling Company, where he worked for 24 years. After retiring from Coca-Cola in 1993, Harold launched his second career as the owner and operator of Griff’s Delivery Service, delivering appliances for Alabama Power. Harold was a longtime and active member of the Gadsden Shrine Club, the Zamora Shrine Center, and the Attalla Masonic Lodge #383, F. & A.M. Known for his outgoing personality and quick wit, Harold never met a stranger. Whether delivering Cokes, appliances, or laughs, he left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. He relished socializing at Shrine events, conventions, and his favorite local happy hour spots, often delighting friends with his trademark humor and spirited conversations. In retirement, Harold maintained a vibrant social life, making daily rounds to places like The Choice Restaurant, Rainbow Monument Company, The Cottage Furniture Store, Somewhere In Time Antiques and Collectibles, and occasionally a happy hour location, especially if he felt friends needed to hear his “wisdom of the day.” Harold loved to travel with his wife and son, often spending Christmas holidays on vacation. Some of his most treasured trips included cruises to the Panama Canal, Caribbean, and Alaska, as well as visits to San Francisco, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and Biloxi/Gulfport. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Zeffrie Jaye Griffey; his devoted son, James “Derrick” Griffey; and his adopted son, Dusty Folds. He is also survived by his sisters Helen Griffey (Thomas) Bates and Jane Griffey (Timothy) Lasseter; his brothers Larry Joe (Anita) Griffey and Perry Lamar (Faye) Griffey; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and countless extended family members and friends. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, James Daniel Griffey and Flora Gray Griffey, and his brother, Paul Wesley Griffey. A visitation will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Village Chapel Funeral Home (101 Vandell Blvd., Gadsden, AL 35904), followed by the funeral service at 3:00 p.m., officiated by Bro. Adam Swann. Serving as pallbearers will be Dillon Boatwright, Dane Gaskey, Jacob Gaskey, Taylor Gidley, Chad Lipscomb, Kenneth McGuire, Bradley McGuire, and Chris Smith. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Collinsville Health Care for treating Harold like family and to the staff of Noland Hospital Anniston for their compassionate care during a difficult time. Arrangements are entrusted to Village Chapel Funeral Home of Gadsden.

James "Harold" Griffey

April 19, 1941 - July 10, 2025