Born on December 14, 1953, Dan was a lifelong resident of Catawba County. He lived a life rooted in faith, service, and devotion to his family. A decorated Vietnam veteran, which included the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with One (1) Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal; Air Medal and Sharpshooter medal, Dan served his country with honor and was a lifelong member of Piney Grove Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a deacon. His Christian faith was the cornerstone of his life and guided the way he loved, served, and cared for others.
Dan found great joy in the simple blessings of life. He treasured time spent reading his Bible, enjoyed sharing breakfast and fellowship with his many friends, and found his greatest happiness in being surrounded by his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and an incredibly proud grandfather. His grandchildren, Tyler Sunderlin, Dylan Sunderlin, Lillian Griggs, and Lewis Griggs, were among his greatest joys.
Dan was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Peggy Parker Griggs, and by his parents, Anderson C. (A.C.) Griggs and Martha May Meaders Griggs.
He is survived by his daughter, Heather Griggs Sunderlin and husband, Rich, of Summerville, South Carolina, and their children, Tyler Sunderlin and Dylan Sunderlin; his son, Dan C. (Clay) Griggs Jr. and wife, Marla, of Claremont, and their children, Lillian Griggs and Lewis Griggs. His sisters, Sue Griggs Lail and husband, Doug, of Conover, and Linda Griggs Gilbert of Granite Falls; his nephew, Brandon Lail of Balls Creek; along with many extended family members, his church family, and countless friends who will miss him dearly.
A celebration of Dan's life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Piney Grove Baptist Church, 2400 Balls Creek Road, Claremont, North Carolina. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m.
Burial, with military honors, will follow in the Piney Grove Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather afterward for refreshments in the church fellowship hall. Pallbearers for the service will include his grandchildren, Rich Sunderlin, and Brandon Lail. Honorary pallbearers: Beverly Hilton, Randy Setzer and Joe Settlemyre.
Memorials may be made in Dan's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or the Wounded Warrior Project.
Condolences may be left at www.drumfh-conover.com.
The Griggs Family is under the care of Drum Funeral Home.
