Rev. Dr. Herbert Lee Griffin Jr.

Rev. Dr. Herbert L. Griffin Jr., born in Portsmouth, Virginia, was a devoted husband, father, and servant of God whose life was marked by faith, service, and a deep passion for family and community. The beloved son of the late Herbert Griffin Sr. and Florence Griffin, he was raised with strong values of integrity, compassion, and perseverance.
A proud veteran, Herbert dedicated 39 years of his life to military service, spending 9 years in the United States Army and 30 years in the United States Navy. His career exemplified honor and commitment as he served his country with distinction and excellence. His time in the military shaped not only his character but also his lifelong pursuit of service and leadership.
Answering the call to ministry at the age of 16, Herbert's discipline and values shaped his life. Herbert was ordained a Deacon in the West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church in 1990, and an Elder in 1993, where he began his journey in pastoral leadership and spiritual guidance. In 2024, he transferred to the Northeast Texas Conference (currently the Horizon Texas Conference), where he ministered with unwavering zeal until his death. Known for his sage wisdom and inviting warmth, Herbert's sermons, prayers, and counsel inspired hope and transformation, touching countless lives in the military community and beyond.
After retiring from the Navy in 2023, Herbert made history as the first African-American Director of Endorsement and Endorsing Agent for the United Methodist Church's General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. In this role, he continued his lifelong commitment to service, guiding and mentoring countless individuals in their paths of ministry and professional growth. A natural mentor, Herbert had an innate ability to inspire others, offering wisdom and encouragement to those who sought his guidance. His mentorship left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to have learned from him. His unwavering faith, compassionate spirit, and joyful presence will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Herbert was a proud Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, a brotherhood that exemplifies his commitment to leadership, scholarship, and service. He embodied the fraternity's values of scholarship, fellowship, good character, and the upliftment of humanity, leaving a lasting impact within the organization and beyond.
Herbert was a devoted husband to Ellainia (Vicks) Griffin, who was his partner and the love of his life for more than 35 wonderful years. Together, they built a loving family, raising two daughters, Porsche and Alexandria Griffin, who were his pride and joy. As a father, he instilled in them the values of discipline, love, resilience, and kindness. He was also a cherished brother to Jimmy, Johnny, Anthea Green and Allen Griffin, and loving uncle to a host of nieces and nephews.
Herbert's personal passions were as vibrant as his professional life. A true car enthusiast, he had a particular fondness for Porsche 911 cars, a hobby that brought him great joy and connected him with fellow Porsche car lovers. He was also an avid fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, faithfully cheering for his team through every season.
Herbert leaves to cherish his memory his wife, daughters, brothers, sister, and a host of extended family, fraternity brothers, mentees, and friends who celebrate his remarkable life and mourn his loss. Herbert's unwavering faith, compassionate spirit, and joyful presence will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Farewell and Following Seas Shipmate!