Patrick Allen Griffith of Eureka Springs, Ark., was born in Fort Belvoir, Va., on Feb. 26, 1953 to Frank and Jane (Lenone) Griffith. He departed this life Nov. 7, 2017 in the company of his wife, Terri, at age 64.
Pat or “Bear” as many knew him, spent his childhood in Dayton, Ohio, Los Angeles, and Mexico before his family finally settled in Eureka Springs, Arkansas in 1965. He attended Eureka Springs High School where he served as the library assistant for six years and graduated as Salutatorian.
Pat began riding motorcycles as a teen, and later was a successful competitor in regional motocross, enduro, and flat track races. He married Joyce Ann Dowell in August 1973, with whom he had a son, Dustin Todd.
He played bass guitar in many different bands for over 30 years, most notably The Ariels and more recently Sound Ordinance, and met his wife, Terri, through this aspect of his life.
He worked in Golden, Mo., for over 40 years, as owner/operator of the Yamaha of Golden motorcycle shop, and later as owner/operator and master mechanic of Al’s Frame & Front End.
Throughout his life, Pat was generous and kind and used his talents and knowledge to support many folks in the community. Whether it was playing numerous benefits and memorials, running sound for shows, repairing vehicles for friends and family, or spending over a year’s worth of weekends to help build his son Dustin’s house, among countless other acts of generosity, Pat could be counted on to always show up and help out.
He was united in marriage with Terri Walker on June 6, 2009 who survives him. He is also survived by children Dustin (April) Griffith, Justin (Claudia) Harp, and Chris Harp; siblings Sue (Jim) Frizzell and Richard Griffith; grandchildren, Nicholas and Mia Harp, Tobe Griffith, Kris Grile, and numerous of nieces and nephews.
Pat is also survived by many members of his extended chosen family including Lana Walker, David & Michelle Burks, Ray Vader & Suzanne Miner, Sidney & Connie High, Brent & Reba Potee, Karen & David Singleton and Steve Zimmerman, among others.
Pat was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Stephen and Jon, band brothers Brad Allee, Tony Walker and Gary Clarke.
Celebration of Life will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, December 3, 2017 in the Barefoot Ballroom at the Basin Park Hotel, Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service, Inc. In lieu of flowers donations may be made at any Arvest Bank location to support the Pat Griffith Memorial Pump Track at Lake Leatherwood. Online condolences may be sent to the family at nelsonfuneral.com. © Nelson Funeral Service, Inc. 2017