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Thomas James Griffiths, age 78 of Hendersonville, Tennessee and Kailua Kona, Hawaii, passed away January 15, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Tom was born on February 26, 1945 in Des Moines, Iowa to the late Thomas John Griffiths and the late Mary Lucille Andrews Griffiths.
He is survived by his wife, Lois Lehmkuhl Griffiths; daughter, Kelly Griffiths Evens (Scott); grandchildren, Seger Thomas Evens and Sadie Dawn Evens; brothers, Steve Griffiths (Kathie) and David Griffiths (Connie); nieces, Tammy Griffiths Shutters and Sarah Finnigsmier Griffiths; great niece, Vivian Shutters; great nephews, Daniel Griffiths and Walter Griffiths; and very special friends, Gary Wolter, Gary Plank, and Gary Meyer.
Tom was born and raised in Des Moines. He attended St. Theresa's Catholic Elementary School and Dowling High School, graduating in 1963. Following high school, Tom obtained his bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri, graduating in 1967. After completing his undergraduate studies, Tom started to work on his master's degree until being called to serve in the military. He joined the United States Navy in January 1969 and served until December 1972.
In 1973, Tom moved back to Des Moines where he was hired as Director of Education for the Iowa Credit Union League. Tom rose through the ranks at the at the ICUL and quickly became a pioneer in the Credit Union Movement. In 1985, he was elected as President and CEO of the ICUL, a position he held for 21 years. Tom retired in 2006, he and Lois moved to Hawaii in 2007.
Following retirement, Tom served twice as Interim President/CEO of the New Jersey Credit Union League and as Interim CEO of the Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. He was still currently serving as a board member of the Hawaii Community Credit Union and was a participant in their Trustee program.
To be closer to their daughter and grandchildren, Tom and Lois split their time between Hawaii and Tennessee. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing golf, lake activities, socializing with friends, and educating youth in shooting. Tom was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Most of all, Tom loved his family, and they loved him. He will be deeply missed by his family and countless friends.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 2:00 PM from Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee with Father Nonso Ohanaka, Celebrant. Visitation with the family will be for one hour prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pope Preparatory School Clay Target Program, 117 Caldwell Lane, Hendersonville, TN 37075.
Arrangements Entrusted to: Sumner Funeral & Cremation Lakeside, Hendersonville, TN (615) 822-4442 www.sumnerfuneral.com https://www.sumnerfuneral.com/obituaries/thomas-griffiths
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Rolla Hermann
Rest in peace Tom: You were a great friend and we will always remember your hospitality when we visited Hawaii in the past. Great cook, bartender and tour guide. Hope heaven is much like your Hawaii Big Island!
Judith "Judy" Donahue (Dwyer)
Jack says, well, Griff, hope it's fake news, but if not, thanks for all the good times growing up in the old school days and beyond. Can't forget all the fun we had--snowballs at cars, football and baseball games, golf at Waveland and Clover Hills, endless joking---"we three kings...", "it's Howdy Doody time...", that big best seller "Under the Bleachers"--and not to overlook "hogar". Then there was that bare midriff at Hyperion. The cabin near the Raccoon. Later, trips to Canada--(sorry about the holes in the trailer). And remember that night driving by the Capri...? Oh, and two lane Hickman and our two Waukee-Dowling chauffers, the big name surgeon and that "lawyer of the year"! "Once upon a time there was a tavern....." Sincere condolences to your family and friends and hope your new environment gives you the peace and rewards you deserve.