Billy Griffin

Hartsville, S.C. Memorial service for Billy Joe (Bill) Griffin, age 79, who passed away Nov. 28, will be Wednesday Dec. 1st, at 2:00 pm at St. Luke United Methodist Church in Hartsville, S.C. directed by Norton Funeral Home. Rev. Phillip Thrailkill will officiate.Family will receive friends following the service. He was born in Marshville, N.C. a son of the late Joe and Lillie Mae Blackmon Griffin. Bill was an Army Veteran and served during the Korean War. He was a graduate of N.C. State, School of Textiles. Following his graduation he was employed in Charlotte by H.K. Porter. While there he met and married Thelma (Tee) Ridgeway, F/A with Eastern Air Lines in 1962. In 1970 Bill and his family moved to Hartsville, S.C. where he entered business with his brother, Sam Marion Griffin in the Griffin 88 Stores. Bill was a faithful member of St. Luke United Methodist Church where he served in many capacities: On the Administrative Board and as Chairman of the Board of Trustess. He was well known for his keen wit and his helping hands as a volunteer for Appalachia Service Projects, Habitat for Humanity, Homes for Hartsville, Christmas in April, and Hartsville Soup Kitchen. He also enjoyed the Hartsville Wood Workers. Bill was an Eagle Scout and served many years on the Board of Review for Scout Troop #523 at St. Luke. Bill is survived by his wife of 49 years, Thelma, his daughter, Kelli and Dr. Darin Matthews of Charleston, S.C., son, William Gregory and Victoria Griffin of Bluffton, S.C., grandchildren, Anna, Emma and Joshua Griffin Matthews. He was predeceased by his brother, Sam M. Griffin. Many thanks to the many care givers of Agape Hospice and expecially to James Gainey, our adopted son. In Lieu of flowers contribute to Hartsville Interfaith Ministries, 210 Swift Creek Road, Hartsville, S.C. 29550. www.nortonfh.net