Gary Wayne Griffin, Sr. (Grip) was born on March 29, 1954 in Akron, Ohio. Gary would live most of his childhood in Chicago, IL with his mother, Christine Griffin. Upon Christine's passing, Gary's responsibilities increased as he helped raise his younger sisters, Sheila and Tracy. At the age of 16, Gary and his sisters moved to Columbus, MS with his grandmother, Callie Griffin. He graduated from Caldwell High School in 1972.

He soon joined the Navy and married Gloria Jean Miller. The Griffins had three children. After being honorably discharged from the Navy in 1987, he worked many years at Phillips Construction. In his younger years, Gary also mentored kids through baseball in the community. He later worked in maintenance at Mississippi University for Women for over three decades before retiring in 2021. After being widowed, he remarried Catherine Richardson. They have two children, Stacye and Keith Richardson. Gary enjoyed crappie fishing, listening to music, sports, and spending time with his family and friends.

Gary found eternal rest in God on September 9, 2023. He is preceded in death by his first wife Gloria Griffin; grandmother Callie Dillard Griffin; mother Christine Griffin; father Eddie James Jethrow, Sr.; siblings Johnnie Henderson and Tyrone Gardner; and grandson Jarion Griffin.

He is survived by wife Catherine Griffin; children Dinah R. Griffin, Gary W. Griffin, Jr., Stacye Richardson, Divah C. Griffin, Keith Richardson; siblings Sheila Thompson, Yolancer Nixon, Sherman Henderson , Debra (Rev. Sammie) Hill, Carl (Sharon) Gardner, Eddie (Jaqueline) Jethrow, Herman (Lenita) Jethrow, Everett Jethrow, Larwanda (Herman) Troop, Mary (James) Coleman; stepmother Mirk Jethrow; grandchildren Chasity Richardson, Christopher and Antonio Walker; and a host of nieces and nephews.

You are invited to a scheduled livestream for the Homegoing Celebration for Mr. Gary W. Griffin, Sr. on Sunday, September 17, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. CST.

Please click on the following link to view:

https://www.facebook.com/gmzcolumbus