He was born December 10, 1937 in Forsyth County, he was the son of Jesse Lee Griffin and Ola Styers Griffin of Rural Hall, NC, both of whom preceded him in death.
He was also preceded in death by his wife of forty years, Sandra Shields Griffin of Hickory. He was the youngest of seven. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Joseph, Norris, and sisters Angeline and Barbara.
He was a member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Hickory. He was a veteran of the US Coast Guard, and had retired from the US Treasury Dept., having served 36 years. He received the “Albert Gallatin Award” from the US Secretary of the Treasury in June 1993.
A believer in donating blood, he donated in excess of eighteen gallons in his lifetime. His motto was “Hit them long and straight”, having loved golf.
He is survived by sons Cowan Griffin and wife Erika of Chapel Hill, Steven Griffin and wife Angel of Boone, and Michael Griffin of Chapel Hill; 8 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren; sisters Regina Ryder and Jessie Rae Montsinger and many nieces and nephews.
Private graveside service will be held for the family with burial beside his wife at Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Huntersville.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 2780 N. Center Street, Hickory, NC 28601.
