Richard "Dick" Griffin

Richard "Dick" Griffin, beloved husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on May 20, 2025, at the age of 82. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, service, and a lifelong commitment to the well-being of others.
Dick made his entrance into this world in a quite extraordinary way. Born to Delta Peirce and Captain Otis Harold Griffin, on September 14, 1942; his mother gave birth aboard a military transport plane en route from Minnesota to Dallas, Texas. His birth certificate would read Evanston, Illinois, as that was the nearest airport at the time.
Raised in Houston and Dallas by his industrious and devoted parents, Dick graduated from Lamar High School in Houston in 1960. That same year, he earned his Eagle Scout rank, a reflection of his lifelong values of service, discipline, and integrity. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Baylor University in 1968 and later earned his MBA from Lamar University in 1973.
Dick built his career in industrial hygiene and workplace safety, a field in which he found both professional purpose and personal fulfillment. He worked at the Texaco Port Arthur refinery, where he rose to the position of Industrial Hygiene Supervisor and Safety Manager. He became both a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) and Certified Safety Professional (CSP), credentials that reflected his commitment to protecting others. His true calling, however, was teaching. From 1977 to 2019, Dick served as an adjunct instructor at Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT), where he educated and inspired generations of students to carry forward his passion for safety and care in the workplace.
In 1965, Dick married his college sweetheart, Sally Meadows. Together, they were blessed with four children: Katie, Jenny, Jim, and Richard Jr. Though their marriage ended in 1991, Dick was forever grateful for the family they built together.
In 1999, Dick married the love of his life, Joy Finch Griffin. They shared 26 wonderful years of marriage, filled with laughter, adventure, and quiet moments of companionship. They were truly soulmates, and their love for one another was a blessing to everyone who witnessed it. Whether traveling, playing cards, watching movies, or simply being together, they found joy in the everyday and created a lifetime of cherished memories at their home in Lumberton with their precious fur babies.
Dick accepted Christ as his Savior in April 1955 at East Dallas Christian Church and remained active in his faith throughout his life, serving faithfully at First Baptist Church of Port Arthur and later at First Baptist Church of Lumberton. His life was rooted in love-for his family, for the Lord, and for others.
He is survived by his loving wife, Joy Griffin; his children: Katie Trammell (husband, Rob), Jenny Goff (husband, Jeff), and Jim Griffin (wife, Tangee); his daughter-in-law, Heather Griffin, wife of his late son, Richard Griffin Jr.; his stepsons, John Santos and Brent Finch; ten grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
Dick found great happiness in supporting his children in scouting, sports, and school events, and in sharing his love for travel and the outdoors-especially the mountains of Wyoming and Colorado. He was happiest camping, canoeing, and exploring national parks like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. He also loved music, theater, movies, and telling silly jokes-often paired with a well-timed prank.
Those who knew Dick will remember his intelligence, patience, and gentle spirit. He was a man who always made time to help others, offer encouragement, or simply listen.
He will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing and loving him.
Memorial contributions in Dick's name may be made to The Humane Society of Southeast Texas, 2050 Spindletop Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77705 or First Baptist Church Loeb, 3082 Highway 69 South, Lumberton, Texas 77657.
A gathering of Mr. Griffin's family and friends will begin at 2:00 p.m., with his memorial service to follow at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard's Crematorium.