John Charles Griffin

John Charles Griffin, 86, of Wilmington died Monday, September 12, 2011. He was much loved and will be greatly missed. He was born January 25, 1925 in Clarksburg, WV, son of the late Charles H. and Laura Chambers Griffin. He was preceded in death by a brother, William Griffin; a sister, Mary Alice Henderson; a granddaughter, Lara Griffin; and an infant grandson, David Irvin. John proudly served his country as a pilot in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He continued to love aviation and spent many enjoyable hours flying sailplanes. He loved to treat family and friends to glider rides so they could also share the experience of soaring through the air ""on silent wings"". After his military service, he attended Marshall University for a year before transferring to West Virginia University where he majored in business, earning a B.A. in 1949. He worked in marketing management for Pure Oil Company and then Union Oil Company until his retirement in 1984. John was a successful businessman, but his enduring legacy is that of a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lu Ellen Griffin; son Bill Griffin Donna of Valrico, FL; daughters Nancy Kilby Eric of Palatine, IL and Carol Irvin Steve of Kinston, NC; brother, Calvin Griffin Lucy of Orlando, FL; 13 grandchildren: John M. Griffin, Katie Kilby Moon Sean, Charlie Kilby, Hannah Irvin, Jackson Irvin Jamie, Matt Irvin Chelsea, Abby Irvin Yancey Sam, Josiah Irvin, John Irvin, Mary Irvin, Joannah Irvin, Dan Irvin, and Becky Irvin; 2 great-granddaughters, Tiana Irvin and Jaelyn Irvin; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. John was a Christian and he lived his faith. He was a member of Wesleyan Chapel United Methodist Church in Wilmington. He particularly loved participating in Sunday school classes. He was an ordained elder of the Presbyterian Church and also served the church as a deacon. John and Lu Ellen enjoyed many years of active retirement. They loved to play golf together and to travel. They took many wonderful trips to Europe and around the United States. They enjoyed the beach and spent many happy times with family and friends at Cherry Grove Beach in South Carolina. John was a fisherman and spent many hours of his youth at Oral Lake in West Virginia and continued to love fishing his entire life. He was also an avid gardener and enjoyed woodworking. With the support and care of Lu Ellen, John valiantly battled the ravages of Parkinson's disease for over 16 years. The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Davis Health Care for their kindness and care during his recent time with them and to the Plantation Village community for their continued care and support. A memorial service to celebrate John's life will be held at 3:30 pm on Sunday, September 18 in the solarium at Davis Health Care Center, 1011 Porters Neck Road, Wilmington. A graveside service will be held in Charlotte at 2:00pm on Monday, September 19 at the Sardis Presbyterian Church cemetery, 6100 Sardis Road. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the memorial fund for Plantation Village or Davis Health Care, Porters Neck Road, Wilmington, NC 28411 or to a charity of your choice.