Richard Griffin

Richard Curtis Griffin, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and man of unwavering faith, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. A steadfast believer in God, family, and country, in that order, Richard lived a life marked by humility, service, and deep love.

Richard was born December 22, 1937, to Willie and India Love Griffin. Born and raised in Durham, North Carolina, Richard graduated from Durham High School in 1957. It was there he met the love of his life, Peggy. From the moment he laid eyes on her that spring, Richard told his friends, "I'm going to marry that girl"-and he did, just one year later in the spring of 1958. Their marriage was a shining example of commitment and love, lasting through decades of shared faith, joys, challenges, and family life.

After high school, Richard began his career with Winn-Dixie Grocers, starting in the produce department and steadily working his way into management. His work ethic, leadership, and integrity earned him the respect of colleagues and customers alike. He proudly retired after 30 years of dedicated service. Retirement didn't slow him down-he went on to work with Associated Food Brokers for many more years, always staying active and engaged.

He was an avid golfer who had a lifelong love of sports, particularly as a devoted fan of Duke University. He followed the Blue Devils faithfully, and his passion for the team was well-known among family and friends. In his younger years, he played basketball in high school and went on to play in numerous church softball leagues. Richard and Peggy also loved to travel, especially with their close-knit group of friends. Whether it was relaxing at the beach or taking in the beauty of the North Carolina mountains, these trips brought joy, laughter, and lasting memories.

Together, Richard and Peggy raised four children, instilling in them strong values, a deep sense of faith, and a love for one another. A faithful servant of the Lord, Richard was actively involved in his church and led his family by example in his walk with Christ. For over 30 years, he and Peggy were dedicated members of First Baptist Church of Garner, where they found community, fellowship, and purpose. Richard served faithfully in countless roles over the years, including leading as a Deacon, head of the Baptism Committee, head of Ushers, sharing his testimony and volunteering in the Upward Basketball program, and spent many years serving on the Kitchen Committee-always happy to roll up his sleeves, share a meal, and serve his community with joy.

Richard never met a stranger. His warm and welcoming nature earned him the nickname "Hugger" at church-because once you received a hug from Richard, you never forgot it. He had a way of making everyone feel like family, simply through a smile and an embrace.

Richard's life was a testament to the power of faith, hard work, and love. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Peggy Wethington Griffin; daughters, Dana Jones (Jeff) and Kristie Honeycutt (Ellis); sons, Michael Griffin (Marlene) and Clif Griffin (Debbie); brother Ray Griffin (Lori); grandchildren, Brittni Prince (logan), Cody Jones (Shilah), Jeremy Jones, Austin Honeycutt (Sara), Noah Honeycutt, Peyton Honeycutt, Elijah Honeycutt, Crystal Griffin, Brooke Korneygay (Adam), Jacob Overton, Mandy Roop (Chris), Joshua Griffin (Ashley) and Miranda McGee (Dylan); and great-grandchildren, Rylee, Raylan, Winry, James, Brianna, Austin, Cassidy, Brannon and number nine on the way.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by sisters, Dorothy Dunn and Mary Morris; brother, Bill Griffin and granddaughter Savanna Honeycutt.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 1:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Garner, 601 St. Mary's Street, Garner, NC 27529. Entombment will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum at 2911 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27603. The family will receive friends Tuesday, June 17, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home at 1200 Benson Road, Garner, NC 27529.

Flowers are appreciated and memorial contributions can be made in his honor to First Baptist Church of Garner https://firstbaptistgarner.org/Give or to Christian Evangelism Fellowship - Bob & Martha Fowler CEFNC Donation Link

Online condolences may be made at bryan-leefuneralhome.com