John L. "Jack" Griep

.Mr. Griep, age 78, passed away Saturday May 31, 2014 at his residence. He was born March 31, 1936 in Fort Dodge Iowa, son of the late Lloyd Glen and Lucille Bradley Griep, in addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Tina L. Griep. He grew up in southern California, graduated from St. Anthony’s High School and attended 3 years of college at Long Beach City College where he studied Business Administration and played baseball as a pitcher in the minor leagues before going into the Navy. After 2 years in the Navy he transferred to the Army and was stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC where he received a Good Conduct Medal and 2 letters of Commendation. He was honorably discharged in 1959. He was a retired salesman who worked in the plastics industry. Jack was charming, witty, kind, generous and loving to all who knew him. He never met a stranger and had a huge heart for people and animals. He will be sorely missed by his friends and family, but we rejoice that he is at peace now in heaven. The family will receive friends from 12 to 1:00 PM Wednesday June 4, 2014 at McEwen Funeral Service Charlotte Chapel 5716 Monroe Road Charlotte, NC 28212 with a service to follow at 1:00 P.M. in the funeral home chapel. Active pallbearers will be Paul Jordan, John Pinkston, Mark Pinkston, Bob Langwell, Scooter Still and Mike Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Brad Griep, Greg Rutledge, Alex Furr, Kyle Griep, Bob Freeman and Johnny Wall. Interment will follow at Sharon Memorial Park. Survivors include his sister: Shirley Baker and her husband Willy of Lakewood California; his children: Laurie Whittham and her husband Mark of Oregon, John Mapes and his wife Sarah of Oregon, Brad Griep and his wife Kim of Glendale Arizona, Kristin Pinkston of Charlotte, North Carolina, Greg Rutledge of Albemarle, North Carolina, Jody Jordan and her husband Paul of Concord, North Carolina and Gwen Dewaele and her husband Shawn of Indian Trail North Carolina. He had 14 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Thank you to Hospice of Montgomery County (Troy office) for their kind and compassionate care, with special thanks to Jan, Shannon, Chelsea, and Janice. Also special thanks to dear friends and neighbors Alex and Sabrina Furr for their friendship and loving care. Our family is forever grateful. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Montgomery County (Troy office) 1924 Albemarle Road, Suite 904 Troy, NC 27371.