Michael Douglas Griffin Sr.

Michael Douglas Griffin, Sr., age 71, of Conover, NC, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem. He was born July 21, 1948 in Catawba County, the son of the late Paul Wilson Griffin, Jr. and Alice Whisnant Griffin.

Michael was the owner and operator of American Olympus Fiberglass in Claremont, NC. He was the inventor of the fiberglass rock well cover and also designed and manufactured several other fiberglass products. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Conover, NC and was a dedicated usher who served whenever he was needed.

Michael loved his sons and grandchildren with all his heart. He was a mentor to special people in his life, Amanda, Halie, Kalin and Tonie to name a few. Throughout his life he enjoyed go-kart racing, riding his Harley, working on his backhoe, and building vintage cars and trucks.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Wallace Shawn Griffin of Atlanta, GA.

Survivors include his loving wife of 52 years, Frances; two sons, Michael Griffin, Jr. and wife, Holley, who gave him his beautiful granddaughter, Kinsley, and handsome grandson, Jensen of Newton, NC, and son, Matthew Willson Griffin of Conover, NC who will follow in his father’s footsteps running the business; a sister, Catherine Falls and husband, Ronnie of Kings Mtn., NC; an aunt, Joan Reinhardt of Hickory, NC; an uncle, Jack Whisnant of Conover, NC; as well as several nieces, nephews, and sisters-in-law.

A Celebration of Michael’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 27, 2020 at St. John’s Lutheran Church LCMS, 2126 St. John’s Church Rd. NE, Conover, NC, with Rev. Scott Johnson and Rev. Anton Lagoutine officiating. Michael will be laid to rest in the church cemetery following the service.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. at the church.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with the Griffin family at www.drumfh-conover.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 or The Humane Society of Catawba County, 3224 20th Ave. SE, Hickory, NC 28603

The Griffin family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Conover, NC.