Jeffery Ryan Griffis

Jeffery Ryan Griffis (Fophie), 35, passed away on Sunday, May 13, 2018 at Manatee Memorial surrounded by family and friends.

Jeff was born in Bradenton, Florida on September 11, 1982 to Breanda Maguire and Richard Poppell Sr. He grew up in Bradenton and attended Southeast High School.

He didn’t always have it easy, but he always seemed to find his way. He earned his certificates and mastered the art of welding, it was truly his passion. He loved kids, he loved spending time with his nieces, nephews, great cousins and sweet little Kaylee whom he adored as his own daughter. Jeff couldn’t wait to become a father and he was finally getting that chance. He loved his family and friends very much, but he always felt like there was more out there in the world for him so he took a chance and moved to South Dakota to pursue welding. From there he moved to Texas then Mississippi, but something always brought him back to Florida.

He is proceeded in death by his father Richard Poppell Sr; sister Dana Thornton and his four legged best friend, Rebel. He is survived by his girlfriend Whitney Matthews and their unborn son, Waylon Ryan Matthews; his mom, Breanda Maguire and stepfather Jay Crump; grandma Barbara Arter; brothers Greg Ward and wife Stephanie Ward; William Reppond and wife Crystal Reppond, Johnny Poppell and wife Melissa Poppell; Richard Poppell Jr and wife Angela Worthy; sisters Trish Colomer and husband Jason Colomer; Misty Hawkins and husband Robert Hawkins, Tammy McKensey and husband Mario Gonzalez; Lacey Poppell; numerous aunts and uncles including Johnnie Faye and Donald Yetter whom he was very close to; many cousins, including Keith Griffis,  Erin Griffis and Gerald Reppond all of which he grew up with; nine nieces and nephews; great cousins; his best friend Summer Dean and his newest fur baby, Mason.

Jeff will be lead to his final resting place by Roth Stethem (Red) accompanied by Mason Griffis (Jeff’s fur baby), James Michael Willis, Gerald Reppond, Tommy Reppond, Greg Ward, William Reppond, and Johnny Poppell.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 18 from 5-7pm. Services will be held at Shannon Funeral Homes located at 1015 14th St W. Bradenton, FL. 34205 on Saturday, May 19 at 10am, Pastor Steve Cydrus will be officiating. Burial to follow at Mansion Memorial located at 1400 36th Ave. E., Ellenton, Fl. 34222.

Special thank you to Joe & Jo-Nell Soto, Donald & Johnnie Yetter, Jay Crump, Greg & Stephanie Ward, Nelson Colon, and Mullets Aluminum