W. Fred Griffin

WILLIAMSTON - W. Fred Griffin, 74, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Monday, Sept. 10, 2007. The funeral service will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at Biggs Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Doug Stokes and the Rev. Josh Davenport officiating; burial will follow at Jamesville Cemetery. Fred was born on June 30, 1933 in Williams Township to the late Wendell W. and Strelsa Manning Griffin. In 1958 he married Barbara James Griffin. He owned and operated Griffin Builders. He served in the US Army from 1953-1955 as a Military Policeman at West Point, N.Y. He loved his Lord, his family, his friends, John Deere Tractors, Atlanta Braves baseball and Dale Earnhardt racing. Fred was a devoted member of Fairview Christian Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher, Elder, and Secretary to the Board of Elders and Deacons. Community and civic work played a very important role in Fred's life. He was a member of the Jamesville Ruritan Club, served as a Board member and held the office of President 5 times. In 1998 he was selected as the Roanoke District Ruritan of the Year. Fred was a member of Skewarkee Lodge #90 and served as the Master of the Lodge for 3 terms. He was a member of the Martin County Shrine Club, Eastern Antique Power Association and served as Scoutmaster of Jamesville Boy Scout Troop 127. In addition to his parents Fred was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Lou Griffin Phelps. He is survived by his wife Barbara, a daughter Phyllis G. Parker and husband Elliott, three sons Will F. Griffin and wife, Renee, James W. Griffin and wife, Kathy, and Jerry W. Griffin and wife, Kristy, all of Williamston; nine grandchildren, Barry Wade Parker, Allison Griffin Parker, Adam James Parker, James Marshall Griffin, Emily Claire Griffin, William Cody Griffin, Caitlyn Rebecca Griffin, Miranda Nicole Griffin and Morgan Brooke Griffin; two brothers, W. Wade Griffin and wife, Nancy, of Williamston, Michael E. Griffin of Forth Worth, Texas; a sister, Alice G. Myers and husband, Bennett, of Durham; a godson, Jonathan Reed Manseau; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. The family will receive friends tonight from 7 to 8:30 at Biggs Funeral Home and other times at the residence, 23023 Hwy 64 East. Flowers are accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Fairview Christian Church, 23023 US Hwy 64 Williamston, Martin Memorial Library 200 N Smithwick St. Williamston or Children's Miracle Network PO Box 8369 Greenville NC 27834. Arrangements by Biggs Funeral Home.