Jerry L. Griffin, Sr.

Jerry Lee Griffin, Sr. was born on August 15, 1953, in Meridian, Mississippi, to Oralee Griffin and Martha Louise Griffin­-Bounds, both of whom preceded him in death. 

A proud son of Meridian, Jerry graduated from Meridian High School, Class of 1972.  Soon after, he took his curiosity and grit to Job Corps, where he earned his certification in auto mechanics.  It was there that he not only sharpened his craft but also connected with people from all walks of life, using his deep faith and instinct-what he often called his "Mother wit”-to guide him through every chapter of life. "Mother wit is your connection, use it for your protection," he would say. And he lived by that. 

Jerry was a man of many skills and even more stories. A jack-of-all-trades with master-level talent, he spent several years working for Superior Chevrolet before founding his own successful business, Auto Specialist, where he proudly served his community with honesty, precision, and pride. He had a deep love for cars-whether he was fixing them, riding in them, or admiring them at a car show, you could see that gleam in his eye. 

But Jerry's "gifts" didn't stop under the hood, he was also known far and wide as DJ Thunder Child, the vibrant energy behind G&G Sounds. From backyard parties to major events across the country, Jerry brought the music and the joy. His passion for spinning records matched his love for bringing people together. He lit up every room he entered and left everyone with a memory to keep. 

Jerry loved life in the South-he found peace in fishing, joy in reminiscing, and strength in staying grounded. He was a man who believed in being clear and direct, who valued hard work, and who always showed up for his family. Children were drawn to him, whether they shared his name or simply crossed his path. His home was a place of wisdom, music, laughter, and purpose. 

He was a passionate soul-a provider, protector, and presence. Whether he was giving advice about life, cracking a joke, working on an engine, spinning a record, or dropping a gem about faith, he did it all with intention. 

On November 27, 1999, Jerry married the love of his life, Gail, and together they built a blended family filled with love, strength, and endless laughter.

Jerry was a devoted and present father to Brandon, Jerry Lee Griffin Jr., Kristen, Antwaine, Jeremiah, Jeleah, Jeremy G., and JeRee (Okama). He was a proud grandfather to Jaela, Ryeona, Jerry Lee Malik-Griffin Ill, Jerah, Jaylin, Timothy, Alijah, Ciara, Antwaine Jr., Jamell, Mathias, Jordyn, Jianni, Ozari, and Zyair, and a cherished great-grandfather to Errick, DeMiah, Jalen, Kayden, Kason, Amilah, and Kamari. 

He is also survived by his beloved sisters, Janet Griffin-McCauley and Glenda Martin; and his nieces and nephews who adored him, including Demechie McCauley, Willie Paul McCauley, Ja'she Sample, Randy Martin, Labrina Martin, and Jamal Martin. He was preceded in death by his adoptive siblings, Reginald Grant, Annie Jean Grant, and Derick Bounds and his niece, Kimiko Martin.

Jerry Lee Griffin, Sr. was a simple man in the grandest way. He lived fully, loved, and left a legacy as big as his heart. His spirit will continue to live on in every beat of music, every tuned-up engine, and every life he touched.

Rest easy, DJ Thunderchild. Your sound plays on.
 

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