Jay Sherman Griswell

Jay Sherman Griswell, after 68 years filled with laughter and adventure and love, passed away Thursday, November 28th, 2024, at his home in Sharpsburg, Georgia. He was born July 23rd, 1956, in Atlanta, Georgia to the late John Barry "JB" Griswell & Mary Ann Stinchcomb. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his big brother, Barry Griswell. Jay-Bird grew up in Forest Park, eventually moving to Jonesboro then onto McDonough, before finally settling in Sharpsburg. One of his first jobs while he was in high school was unloading fresh produce at the Forest Park Farmer's Market. He recently retired from his self-operated courier business where he delivered essential paper products across the Metro Atlanta area. His true profession though, his innate calling, was pro bono Fun Facilitation - where he effortlessly and enthusiastically shared undeniable amusement with everyone he encountered. Big Jay was a man of many shades. He adored sports of every variety, flora of every hue, trails and roads most winding, music that struck the deepest of chords, and people from all walks of life, especially those he considered family. Basketball and tennis courts are where he displayed his athletic prowess. He passionately cheered for all Georgia-grown sports teams, with the Braves and the Dawgs being his favorites. His ability to nurture and transform his gardens into verdant havens was unmatched by most. He rarely met a trail that he could not conquer. He never traversed a road that he could not tame. Music was a source of grandest inspiration, whether he was rocking out with friends or reflecting in solitude. He never met a stranger. Conversation was his healing medicine, and he never missed a dose. When he connected with his longstanding friends or engaged with his newly discovered acquaintances, he was able to conjure a special brand of magic, uniquely his own. Being a father was not heavily on his mind until he became a Papa Bear himself in the Summer of 1987, when he would bring his "red-headed clone" into the world with his first wife, Wanda. He soon discovered that his most fulfilling purpose would be to raise and to cherish and to guide his son through this thing called life. Jay's journey with God was not a simple path, with many trials and tribulations along the way, but in 2017, under a warm Autumn sky, he was born again in Glory in the flowing waters of Line Creek Nature Preserve. His wife Linda was a source of immeasurable inspiration and unwavering love during this rebirth, standing steadfast by his side every step of the way. His Celebration of Life is Saturday, December 14th, 2024, at 2:00 PM at McKoon Funeral Home, 38 Jackson Street, Newnan, with John Hobbs officiating. Visitation with family and friends will be held on Saturday, prior to service, between 1:00-2:00PM. All are welcome. Condolences can be expressed online at www.mckoon.com. Jay is survived by wife Linda Griswell; son James (Rachael) Griswell; stepdaughters Leah (Jaziel) Luna & Holly (Hector) Abundez; sister Vicki Stubblefield; brother Rick (Anne) Griswell; many loving nieces and nephews, a gaggle of grandchildren, and more great friends & warm social acquaintances than any one man deserved. (Except that he truly did) McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory (770) 253-4580

Jay Sherman Griswell

July 23, 1956 - November 28, 2024