Beloved husband, father and grandfather, Harmon Doc Griffin, Jr., 77 of Conover, NC died Friday, October 11, 2013 at Catawba Regional Hospice. Born January 24, 1936 in Kosciusko, MS, he was the only child of Lena Lavelle Porter Griffin and Harmon Doc Griffin, Sr.
Doc proudly played football at Mississippi State University, graduating in 1958 with a degree in Industrial Management. From 1958 until 1967, Doc served in the Mississippi National Guard, earning the rank of Captain – Artillery. He enjoyed a long career with Firestone Tire & Rubber in Memphis, TN, and retired as Manager of Piedmont Foam Products in Conover, NC, later bought by Crain Industries. In retirement, he devoted his time to assisting families in their time of need, serving as a Funeral Director with several local funeral homes.
Doc also gladly dedicated his time to his church and community. As one of the charter members of Trinity Baptist Church in Newton, NC, he served as Steward, treasurer and secretary, and was a member of the choir. He was a Mason, former Jaycee, former member of the Newton-Conover School Board, and former member and past president of the Newton-Conover Rotary Club, where he was named a Paul Harris Fellow.
Doc Griffin was a loving family man and genuine friend. His kind heart, generous nature and warm smile brightened all our lives. So with tearful eyes we say goodbye, but with happy hearts we cherish his memory.
In addition to his parents, Doc was preceded in death by his infant son, Tommy Spence Griffin.
He is survived by his wife and best friend of 56 years, Mary Jean Spence Griffin; his three sons, Todd Griffin & wife Kelly, of Conover, Kirk Griffin & wife Carla of Newton, and Greg Griffin & wife Laura of Charlotte; seven grandchildren; Todd’s sons Stan, Tyler and Davis, Kirk’s son and daughter, Cody & Carly, and Greg’s sons Grant & Grayson.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 13, 2013, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Trinity Baptist Church. A celebration of Doc’s life will be held on Monday, October 14, 2013 at 2:00 PM at Trinity Baptist Church. Reverend Brant Hoots will officiate and the burial will follow in Conover City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Trinity Baptist Church, P.O. Box 4, Newton, NC, 28658, or to Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC, 28658.
Serving as pallbearers will be: Stan Griffin, Cody Griffin, Grant Griffin, Rudy Roberts, Everette Simmons, and Jimmy Freudenberg. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the “Executive Board”: Fred Sherrill, Clarence “Doc” Canrobert, Jim Templeton, Bob Holland, Stuart Terry, Ken Lawing, Jim Ten Kate, Larry Robinson, Tom Warlick, Gene Hamilton, Ken Setzer, Bill Allen and David Brown.
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