Walter Knox Griffin Sr.

Mr. Griffin, Sr., was born February 24, 1933 in Kings Mountain, NC a son of Ellerbe Wilson Griffin and Mable Kurfees Griffin. He grew up with teachings of Central Methodist Church’s Sunday School and M.Y.F. Along with the Christian teachings at his church, his mom always took time to talk with him about what it means to be a Christian in everyday life. Walt’s Dad taught him the importance of character, honesty, hard work, and to always do your very best.

Mr. Griffin attended the public schools in Kings Mountain where he got a good education, made many friends and had lots of fun.

Walt enjoyed “Boy Scouts” as well as athletics and band. He was president of the Methodist Youth Fellowship his Junior Year. He was a member of the monogram, drama, and French Clubs. He graduated in 1951.

Mr. Griffin served during the Korean War in the U. S. Navy 1951-1955. He was attached to the Naval Aviation Squadron VJ-62. He was on detachment overseas during most of his service years. He still has a number of friends from those years. They continue to gather regularly in Sanford, Fla., which was VJ-62’s home port.

After his military service he attended UNC Chapel Hill from 1955 – 1959, studying Pharmacy and Chemistry. He was a member of Kappa Psi, a professional Pharmaceutical Fraternity. He also served as vice president of his sophomore class in Pharmacy school.

Walt was employed for more than 40 years as a Technical Sales Representative, selling Chemicals for use in the Textile Industry. He was employed by the 3M Co., Callaway’s Chemicals and Sybron Chemicals Inc., where he retired in December of 2000. During these years he was an active member of the American Association of Textile Colorists and Chemist from 1963 until his death, serving on several committees.

Mr. Griffin was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters; Mrs. Robert Bargar (Je’anne) and husband Bob and his sister Nancy Luzene Griffin.

Mr. Griffin is survived by his son Walter K. Griffin, Jr. (Toby) and his wife Kathryn Landrus Griffin and two granddaughters Mallory Ingram and Martha Griffin of Thomasville, NC. Also survived by his lovely daughter

Rebecca Griffin Lee, (Lori) and her husband Andy Chun-an Lee of Springfield, Va. and two grandsons, Gabriel and Jacob Lee.

He is also survived by his brother Wilson Griffin and his wife Sara of Kings Mountain and their daughter Myra Wallace of Wilson, NC. He also has nephews David Bargar and Douglas Bargar and nieces Allison Churchill and Nancy Bargar.

Friends are invited to a Memorial Service in the Multi-Purpose Room of River Landing at Sandy Ridge on Friday December 20th at 3:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 2:30 until the hour of the service.

A second Memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 21st at 3:00 pm in Central United Methodist Church of Kings Mountain, NC. The family will receive friends at the church from 2:30 until the hour of the service. Following the Memorial Service, Mr. Griffin will be inurned in the church columbarium. The family requests that memorials be directed to the Building Fund of Central United Methodist Church, PO Box 37, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 or to the American Cancer Fund in your local area.

Mr. Griffin had a phrase he enjoyed using, “Work hard and pray and love life.” (WHAP-ALL). He used it almost everyday. He was a happy and positive person.

Please offer your condolences with the family at www.sechrestfunerals.com.