David (D.H.) Griffin, Sr.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of D.H. Griffin Sr., a beloved husband, father, papaw, friend, business leader, and pillar of the community. D.H. passed away peacefully September 15, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.

D.H. was born and raised in Rockingham County. From an early age, D.H. learned the value of hard work, dedication, and of rising with the sun. At the age of 9, he began plowing the fields on a sharecropper’s farm with a mule. D.H. discontinued his education in the 8th grade and continued working on the farm until he got a job working at Lorillard Tobacco. This is where he met his future wife and love of his life, Marylene Fields. They were married December 24, 1958 and went on to have a beautiful life together and three wonderful children, Benita, Melody, and David Jr. whom they adored.

In 1959, D.H. and his wife, Marylene, started D.H. Griffin Wrecking Company with a pickup truck and a desire to get ahead. His first project was dismantling a church by hand and using the materials to build their first home. He continued over the years, taking buildings down with hand-tools and recycling the materials. He built the company brick-by-recycled brick and a clothesline post at a time with the help of the best team members. Under his leadership, the company grew from a small local operation to a nationwide powerhouse, known for handling some of the most complex and high-profile demolition projects in the country. He loved scrap metal and riding around his scrap yards, which he continued to do well into his later years.

Those who know D.H. best know that he loved to trade and make a deal. He was as comfortable trading in the boardroom of a Fortune 500 company as he was in the parking lot of a Bojangles. As much as he loved to trade, he also had a unique ability to create lasting business partnerships that turned into meaningful friendships. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication led him to achieve remarkable success throughout his career and to live the true American Dream.

He deeply valued his relationships, and more than his business success it was his kindness, integrity, and genuine care for others that truly defined him. He was a trusted friend and mentor to many. Over the years, D.H. took many people under his wing. He saw the good in people and believed in them even when others had given up hope themselves. He valued character and hard work over accolades and pedigree. He was seen as a father figure, trusted friend, and mentor to many, and his impact made the world a better place.

A family man, D.H. loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Many wonderful memories were made on beach trips, holidays, over delicious meals around the table, and on the golf course. He was always known for making everyone laugh and cutting up. In his spare time, D.H. loved riding around town and getting his scratch-off lottery tickets.

A true community leader, D.H. was passionate about giving back and uplifting those around him. A founding member of Shining Light Baptist Church, his faith was central to who he was. He was a very private person but gave great support to many causes and to the Church.

D.H. leaves behind a loving family, dear friends, and a legacy of excellence, generosity, and kindness. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, and his loving wife, Marylene Fields Griffin. He is survived by his brothers, Jimmy Griffin, Sammy Moore, and his three children Benita Griffin Mitchell, Melody Griffin London and husband Lee, David H. Griffin Jr. and wife Donna, grandchildren: Johnny Mitchell Jr. and wife Megan (Avery, Tanner, Tucker), Amber London McGee and husband Chris (Peyton and Cooper), Heather Mitchell Wray and husband Dale (Charlotte and Matilda), Deven Griffin Murrell and husband Tommy (Teddy and George), Dakota Griffin Brunswick and husband William (Blake), Brooke London Pennell and husband Matthew (Boone), David H. Griffin III, Hunter Flippin, and Matt Padgett II.

A celebration of D.H.'s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday at Definition Church, 1806 Merritt Drive in Greensboro, with a family night on Thursday evening 4:30-8pm. Interment will follow in Guilford Memorial Park. Friends and family are invited to honor his incredible life in person or virtually via the livestream(shared on our website, social media, and the Memorial Page). If you have any photos or memories to share, please email [email protected], mail to 4716 Hilltop Road Greensboro 27407, or post on the Legacy Memorial page.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please do as D.H. would do. Expressions of sympathy be made by giving to your favorite charity, helping a friend or stranger in need, volunteering for a local cause, making new memories with people you love, or doing anything you can to make the world a better place.

He will be remembered as a great man whose influence touched the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will never be forgotten.