Samuel Edward Giffin

Samuel Edward Giffin, 78, of Marseilles, passed away Monday, July 8, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Joliet. He was born on May 13, 1941, in Blount Co., TN, to Earl and Trula (Huffstetler) Giffin. He was married to JoAnn Coffey of Ottawa. Sam served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War where he was awarded two Purple Hearts. Before returning stateside, he acted as General William Westmoreland’s driver and personal bodyguard. He was employed by DuPont for over forty years until his retirement. He enjoyed camping with his family and friends, was an avid gardener, and loved fishing. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Earl Giffin; and one sister, Dorothy Walker. He is survived by one daughter, Sarah Giffin of Marseilles; one grandchild, Rylee Jo Giffin of Marseilles; one godson, Neil Kish of Gladstone, MO; one brother, Bob Giffin of Roanoke, AL; four sisters, Virginia Loring of Maryville, TN, Betty Giffin of Chicago, Nancy Giacolona of Cedar Lake, IN, and Janice Mohr of Maryville, TN; and many nieces and nephews. Memorials may be directed to the family to be used for his granddaughter’s college fund. Pallbearers will be Dan Stranger, Mark Coultrip, Mike Churchill, Neil Kish, Erik Hoffman, and Jay Fishwild. Family and friends will assemble for graveside service and interment at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at Carpenters Campground United Methodist Church Cemetery. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Samuel Edward Giffin please visit our Sympathy Store.