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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
October 22, 2013
Todd and Kelly, We are thinking of you, your family, and your mother during this difficult time. Please know our thoughts are with all of you. - Henry & Pam Rivers
October 17, 2013
Jason Massarelli and Family
Todd,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
October 16, 2013
We are all very sorry for your family's loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.
Eugene Cline and Family
October 15, 2013
Connie & Jim Lingle
Mary Jean and Family - Jim and I were very saddened to hear of your loss. Knowing with God behind us and His loving arms beneath us, we can face whatever lies before us will give you strength during this most difficult time. Also knowing your loved one will live in your hearts and memories forever. May God grant you strength and His blessings and be with each of you.
October 15, 2013
Elwanda Shook
I have such sweet memories of Uncle Doc! He was a very special person and I know he will be missed.
October 14, 2013
Ziad Chbeir
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
October 14, 2013
Mitch Boyd
Our condolences and and prayers are with all of the family and friends in this time of sorrow. May God comfort your souls in the knowledge that he is with God now and no longer suffering.
October 14, 2013
I am so sorry to hear if Doc's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to all his family. I worked with Doc for several years and he will be missed by all who knew him. Marsha McRary/Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home
October 13, 2013
Sherry Leonard
My deepest sympathy to you and your family
October 13, 2013
Mike Moore
Friend and neighbor.
Knowing Doc was like knowing someone in you past that you just met all over again.
Everytime I ran into him and by previously being his next door neighbor in the 70's and 80's dock was always the same.
If you had a problem, Doc had a problem.
In the 70's when I was out of work, Doc asked me if I had even driven a big truck. Of coarse at that time the answer was no. He said: "Come out to the plant Monday morning you will learn. Doc put me to work at Piedmont Foam and pulled one of his other drivers off his job to teach me all I needed to know about driving that BIG TRUCK.
All during that time Doc never showed me any special treatment, even though some of the other guys did know we were neighbors and kidded me.
Doc Griffin was my friend, my neighbor and I shall NEVER forget what he did for me and my family at the time of need.
So Mote It Be My Brother.
October 13, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Connie Fortanbary
October 12, 2013
So sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Dwight Sherrill
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