Donald Lamar Griffin

After his early schooling, including time at the old Pine Level School-now the site of Sikes and Kohn's country mall-Donald enlisted in the Army National Guard at age seventeen. In 1964, he transferred into active-duty service with the United States Navy, where he trained and served as an Electronic Technician. Over the course of his career, he completed assignments at sea and ashore, including as an instructor in Norfolk, Virginia; arduous sea duty in Iceland; and combat deployment aboard USS McCaffery (DD-860) to the W estem Pacific during the Vietnam War. He retired in 1983 as a Chief Petty Officer (E- 7).

After retiring from the Navy, Donald returned home to Grady and rekindled his teenage romance with Lillie. They traveled often, including cruises and frequent time spent at their beach house in Pensacola, Florida.

Family will be receiving friends at White Chapel-Greenwood Funeral Home, on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 1 until 2 p.m .. A graveside service will follow at 2 p.m., in the Greenwood Cemetery.

He is preceded in death by his wife and high school sweetheart, Lillie Griffin; parents, James and Elsie Griffin; and brother, Dewitte Griffin.

He is survived by his children, Lamar Harris (Cheryl), Richie Harris (Sherry) and Anita McCarrell (Tom); grandchildren, Maegan Bower (Justin), Hannah Griggs (Brandon), Caroline Harris, Dreighton Le (Phong) and Melody Harris; great grandchildren, Drake Bower, Maeve Bower and Asher Griggs; sister-in-law; Anita Griffin; niece, Anissa Ratulowski (Joe); and grand niece and nephews, Courtney Durden, Joey Ratulowski and Carter Ratulowski.

Many thanks to Enhabit Hospice of Troy and Jerrica, Kay, Stephanie and Martha for their commitment and love to our sweet Papa Don.

Donald will be remembered for his steady and practical nature. He enjoyed taking his grandchildren fishing on family land and for long drives along the country roads of Pike and Montgomery Counties, sharing stories of the people and places along the way. When teaching them to drive, his advice was simple: "Driving isn't hard-just relax. If you want to go faster, press the gas. If you want to go slower, press the brake." He will be sorely missed and kindly remembered by all who knew him.

Pallbearers will be Lamar Harris, Richie Harris, Tom McCarrell, Justin Bower, Dreighton Le, and Joe Ratulowski.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project or Disabled American Veterans.