Ira Lee Griffin Jr.

Ira L. "Dut" Griffin, Jr., 89, of Charlotte, NC, died Wednesday, November 9, 2011, at Presbyterian Hospital after a sudden and very brief illness.

A native of Charlotte, he was the oldest son of the late Ira L. Griffin and Allie Aiken Griffin, and brother of the late William Aiken Griffin.

Mr. Griffin attended Woodberry Forest School, where he served as Senior Prefect and captain of the wrestling team. A graduate of Princeton University, he received a degree in chemical engineering and was a star collegiate wrestler – defeated only twice, coincidentally by the same opponent. He was also a member of Cap and Gown Club.

Shortly after receiving his diploma from Princeton, Mr. Griffin boarded a train and reported to the Navy to serve in World War II. He was stationed in China.

After the war, he returned to the Charlotte area and began working for Rock Hill Printing and Finishing, where his long career in the textile industry began. It was during this time he met his wife, Mary Miller Jeter of Rock Hill.

In 1948, Mr. Griffin and his father founded Ira L. Griffin Sons, a family-run textile machinery manufacturer. The company became a respected global firm, and Mr. Griffin served as its Chairman until his death.

Mr. Griffin was a member of Myers Park Presbyterian Church and its Rhodes-Johnston Bible study class, Rotary Club, Bulls Investment Club, and the Charlotte Country Club. He was a tireless volunteer with Friendship Trays, where he spent many years as a route deliverer and coordinator. He passionately supported this organization until his last days.

Mr. Griffin was an avid cyclist and participated in numerous biking trips -- both at home and abroad -- and loved his pre-dawn rides through the deserted streets of Myers Park. He also loved hiking, devoured books, and was so proud of his grandchildren.

Mr. Griffin was predeceased by his wife, Mary, in 1980, and is survived by their two sons: I. Lee Griffin III and his wife, Marsha Cassedy, of Charlotte, NC, and their daughter, Hadley Griffin, of New York, NY; and David J. Griffin and his wife, Marlene Miller Griffin, of Waxhaw, NC, and their daughter, Mary Griffin, of Austin, TX, and their son, Day Griffin, of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by his long-time, dear companion, Christine Snyder Wellons.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, November 14, 2011 at Myers Park Presbyterian Church with Reverend Von Clemans officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in Providence Hall at the church. Interment will be private.

Mr. Griffin’s family would like to thank all of the caring, dedicated doctors and nurses at Presbyterian Hospital for their kindness and professionalism while he was in the Emergency Room and in the Intensive Care Unit.

His family is so lucky to have had this generous, humble gentleman in their lives. We love you, Dut.

Memorials may be made to Friendship Trays, 2401-A Distribution Street, Charlotte, NC 28203, or to The Crossnore School, PO Box 249, Crossnore, NC 28616.