Marvell man Leon Griffith, 89, beloved storyteller and fisherman, dies

Leon Griffith, 89, of Marvell, died Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Born in Dyess Colony on Tuesday, March 24, 1936, Griffith was known across Phillips County for his storytelling, his jokes and his love of fishing, football and westerns.

Griffith was the son of the late Hugh and Leslie Griffith. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Louise Griffith, and his sister, Helen Thomas. He is survived by his wife, Brenda Griffith; step-sons Bobby Childers (Jennifer) of DeWitt, Arkansas, Calvin Childers of Marvell and Jonathon Childers (Jamal) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; brothers Frank Griffith, Don Griffith and Jimmy Griffith; and a host of nieces and nephews.

The obituary posted by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in West Helena noted, "Leon loved fishing, watching football and westerns. He was a great storyteller and loved telling jokes." That memory was echoed on the funeral-home page by Carolyn Reisinger, who wrote, "Brenda , Leon will truly be missed, I will always remember him as always laughting and telling Jokes just to get you to laugh and laugh hisself . he got a big kick out of that , but everybody that knew him liked him and Loved to hear all his stories and his jokes. that seemed to keep him happy the most. He was my brother-in-law for a very long time well 71 years. Yes he will be truly missed im sure by everybody that knew him . May God bless you and keep watch over you in these times. Love you Brenda may the good LOrd be with you . Love Carolyn Reisinger." That comment received a like from Gail Caler on the page.

Family and friends attended visitation and a funeral service at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in West Helena on Friday, February 6, 2026; visitation began at 1:00 p.m. and the funeral service at 2:00 p.m., with interment following at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Serving as pallbearers were Calvin Childers, Stone Matthews, Brannon Finch, William Oneal, Ethan Moss and Justin Burmingham.

Roller-Citizens Funeral Home directed arrangements at its West Helena location at 508 Plaza. For those wishing to leave condolences or sign the online guestbook, contact the funeral home by phone at (870) 572-2571 or visit the Roller Funeral Homes page for West Helena.

Griffith’s passing removes a familiar voice from community gatherings, family porches and local fishing spots where his stories and jokes were often shared. For neighbors and relatives in Marvell and the surrounding towns, the services provided an opportunity to remember a life shaped by simple pleasures and a knack for bringing people together. Contact Roller-Citizens Funeral Home for additional details about remembrances and inquiries.