Joe Griffin II

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Joe Griffin Obituary

Joe Asa Griffin, II FLORENCE, S.C. - Dr. Joe Asa Griffin, II, died Sunday, June 21, 2009, in a local hospital after an illness. Born in Lauderdale County, TN, on November 27, 1922, he was a son of the late Joe Asa Griffin and Minnie Lee Lockard Griffin. Dr. Griffin grew up in Ripley, Tennessee. He enlisted in the US Army in January, 1943 and was shipped overseas in June/July of 1943 in the largest Allied Expeditionary Force Convoy to cross the Atlantic. Destination: The British Isles. He landed on Omaha Beach at D-Day plus 16, and served as a Sergeant with the US Army Corp of Engineers. Dr. Griffin was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in Fontainebleau, France and served as Infantry Platoon leader in Patton's 3rd Army, 94th Division. At the time of the Allied Victory, he was serving in Vodnany, Czechoslovakia and was awarded 4 campaign stars for service in Normandy, Northern France, Central Europe and The Rhineland. Dr. Griffin returned to the US in the fall of 1945 with the 80th Infantry Division. He worked in the Civil Service until attending the pre-dental program at Peabody College in Nashville, TN, where he met the love of his life, Allene Williams. From there, he attended dental school at the University of Tennessee in Memphis. He and Allene were married in his final year of dental school and moved to Florence in 1953. He practiced dentistry in Florence for 38 years, retiring in 1988. Dr. Griffin was a member of Central United Methodist Church and of the Spiritual Guidance Sunday School class since 1953. He was a long time member of the Florence Country Club and an avid golfer. He was also a life-long member of the Florence Kiwanis Club. Happy Trails, Papa! Survivors include his wife, Allene Williams Griffin of the home; four children, Jodie Griffin (Lance) Blalock of Charleston, Lise Griffin (Derrick) Temple of Murrells Inlet, Dr. Joe Asa (Kate) Griffin, III, and Leslie Griffin (Dale) Barth, both of Florence; three sisters, Nathalie Greer and Evelyn Acosta, both of Memphis, TN, and Aileen Berg of Minneapolis, MN; nine grandchildren, Elizabeth Blalock Fletcher, Philip Ryan Blalock, William Harry Temple, Daniel Griffin Temple, Allie Caitlin Barth, Griffin Elliott Barth, Barbara Ellen Griffin, Emma Williams Griffin, and Millie Howard Griffin; and one great-grandchild, Allene Blalock Fletcher. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Dr. Griffin will be held at Central United Methodist Church on Wednesday, June 24 at 2:00 pm. The family will greet friends in the Commons area of Central United Methodist Church at 1:00 pm, prior to the service. A private, committal service will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Central United Methodist Church or Choices Charter School through the church at P.O. Box 87, Florence, SC 29503; or to Marie Brown Ministries, P.O. Box 6766, Columbia, SC 29260. Waters-Powell Funeral Home is assisting the family of Dr. Griffin. Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/deaths

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier on Jun. 23, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Joe Griffin

11 Entries

Linda and George Hale

July 7, 2009

Allene,
Linda and I and our family are all sad about the news of Joe's illness and passing. Even though we did not get to see him often we knew he was there and we loved him. We know what a strong love he had for you, his kids, and all his family. You will miss him, but it is comforting to know he no longer has pain and will see you again one day. Linda's mom took it hard, but she is strong and is OK now. She loves to tell stories about when they were growing up on the farm. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we love you.

June 24, 2009

Leslie, Dale & family,

I always knew your Dad wad a first class man from growing up in the neighborhood. I never knew what a warrior/ soldier during WW2. What a super Husband, Dad, Dr. and great guy to know. My thoughts and prayers are with ya'll.

Mitch Chisholm

Rory Barth

June 24, 2009

I have had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Griffin and his family for over 30+ years. My heart goes out to him and his family. God Speed Papa.

Tam and Jan Cheek

June 23, 2009

Lise,

Jan and I are so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Having just lost my mother we know and feel your pain. I know how close you and your dad were and also know you have a lifetime of wonderful memories that will comfort and help you in the days to come. I really enjoyed getting to know your dad the day we all worked on your dock. I remember what a difficult time I had keeping up with him. He was quite a character. Please know you and your family are in our prayers.

Bob and Peggy Youngblood

June 23, 2009

Dear Allene, Joe and Katie, We are shocked and saddened to learn about Joe Sr. We are up in Boothwyn,Pa baby sitting our grandchildren, Our hearts go out to you at this time. Please know that we love you and are thinking of you.

Peggy Youngblood

June 23, 2009

Hello Allene, Joe, and Katy and family: Bob and I are out of town and just learned of Joe's death. We are sending our love to all of you. We are so fond of you, and cherish our home that Joe tendered with such affection and love in the past. We talk about him and treasure the time and nurture that he gave so many years ago..it does not go unnoticed.

Please know that our thoughts are with you. We shall be in touch with you when we return. Sending our best to all. Peggy and Bob Youngblood

Rhonda Mills-Frierson

June 23, 2009

To the Griffin family,I was a patient of Dr. Joe's.I will always remember his kindness and gentle manner. He had a way of calming my fears.My sincere sympathy to all of you in your time of sadness.God Bless All Of You.

Judy (Shaw) Kale

June 23, 2009

Your family is in my prayers. I worked at the Dental clinic, for Dr. Griffin back in the 70's. I am sure that you will not remember me, but I remember his family and especially his precious children. I know that he loved you all dearly. Jodi, Lisa and Joe, I know how much that you will miss your Dad. He is at peace now and he will be waiting for you. He will live on forever in your hearts and through you and your children. God be with you all at this time and in the days ahead.

Wanda & Scott Poindexter

June 23, 2009

Our hearts go out to he family of such a loving man as Dr. Griffin. I loved to see his smiling face and to hear his jokes that he always made a point to tell me. We will miss and remember him always. Our greatest sympathy to the family.

Marie Brown

June 23, 2009

Dr. Joe was a great guy and friend. I always looked forward to seeing him and hearing a story or a new joke! He will be missed, yet I have an assurance that we will spend eternity together! So it is not a good-bye, but see you later Joe. We will have loads of time to catch up. Joe's legacy of love and joy will live on. My heart is with all of you in the family. You are all loved much.

Donna Thompson

June 23, 2009

Lise,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family thru this time of grief. I love you and just know I am only a phone call away if you or your family need me for anything.

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