Thomas "Dillon" Griffin

Born and raised in Union County, Dillon graduated from Union High School in the Class of 1958 and went on to earn his degree from the Cincinnati School of Mortuary Science in 1962. His life’s calling began early, and he went on to serve families with compassion and grace as a beloved funeral director for McEwen Funeral Service from 1959 until his retirement in 2009.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great‑grandfather, Dillon was above all a family man. If he wasn’t working, he was with his wife, Sandra, the love of his life. Together, they built a marriage of 67 years—one filled with faith, partnership, and a deep affection that inspired everyone who knew them. Dillon adored his grandsons, Jonathan and Charlie, and his great‑granddaughter, Remi, who brought him immeasurable joy.

Dillon was well known throughout Mint Hill and Charlotte, not only for his decades of service but for his humor, kindness, and unmistakable presence. He was a longtime member of Mt. Harmony Baptist Church, the Mint Hill Masonic Temple, the Mecklenburg County Beekeepers Association, and the Mt. Harmony Goodtimers. He and Sandra were founding members of East Presbyterian Church and later active members of Sardis Presbyterian before joining Mt. Harmony. Dillon served faithfully as both elder and deacon in every church he attended.

He lived a full and generous life. Dillon loved spending time at Ocean Isle Beach, tending to his garden, and attending every activity his grandchildren were involved in—swim meets, football games, Boy Scout ceremonies, and more. Before his health declined, he visited shut‑ins and elderly neighbors, always showing up with a smile and often with a brown paper bag filled with vegetables from his abundant garden. His garden always seemed to produce more than enough, and so did his heart.

Dillon will be remembered most for the example he set: how to love a spouse, how to serve the Lord, how to show up for family and friends, and how to live with joy. As a funeral director, he trained many young professionals who still serve today, teaching them not just the work, but the ministry behind it. He loved to tell stories, to laugh, and to celebrate the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He was enormously proud of his family and never missed an opportunity to say so.

He was a lifelong Carolina basketball fan—until his grandson attended Auburn University, at which point he proudly switched allegiance. Dillon lived fully, loved deeply, and left a legacy rooted in service, loyalty, and unwavering devotion to the people he cherished.

Dillon is survived by his wife, Sandra Gaddy Griffin; his daughter, Cynthia Lynn Griffin Goforth, and her husband, David;

his grandsons, Charles Preston Goforth and Jonathan Dillon Goforth and fiance', Claire Mitchell; his great‑granddaughter, Remi Marie Grace Goforth;

his lifelong friends of 80 years, Joel Clontz, Larry Thomas, and Harold Williams; his sisters, Jessie Young and Lucille Adkins;

and his brother, Marvin Willis Griffin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ivory Wilmetta Rogers Griffin and James “Pete” Willis Griffin; his sister, Maxine Wright; and longtime friends Dr. Buddy Pigg, Homer Vickery, George Rowell, Gene Hartis, and Jerry Funderburk.

A special thank‑you is extended to the dedicated CNA's and staff at Cadence Senior Living—including Ronnie, Sheka, Debbie, Shannon, Randi, Ann, Angela, and many others—for their compassionate care.

Family will receive friends at McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Charlotte, NC 28227, US, on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Dillon’s Funeral Service will take place at McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227, on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 2:00 pm.

Interment will follow at Sharon Memorial Park, 5716 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28212.

The family requests that memorials be made to Via Hospice Health Partners, 7845 Little Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28226.