Deacon David Griffin

Deacon David Griffin Easley, South Carolina David Harrison Griffin was born August 1, 1942, to the late Orlean Griffin and late John A. Davis in Pickens, SC. David left Pickens in 1958 and headed to New York City with his Grandmother Mrs. Ola Griffin and in 1959 he attended Benjamin Franklin HS where he competed in Track and Field. David excelled in this area and travelled throughout the world to compete. He competed against Tommie Smith and John Carlos and won. Tommie Smith and John Carlos later won the 1968 Olympics. He attended and graduated from John J. College of Criminal Justice. David joined the New York City Police Department. He became a Supervising Official for Sports Borough wide Officials, College Officials Association, and IAABO Sports League, where he trained referees for the National Basketball Association (NBA) Referee’s such as Dick Levetta, Hugh Evans, and Ronnie Nunn. David was annually chosen to referee at an Elite hoops have been a staple at Rucker for decades, with more moving on to play in the NBA, including legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Julius “Dr. J” Erving, and Earl “The Pearl” Monroe. David resigned from the New York City Police Department and moved on to join the Black Pride movement to continue the fight for equal rights. He later became Supervisor of Security for the Music Industry Executive, Clive Davis. In the winter of 1980, David rejoined the family of Law Enforcement. This time as ranking Officer of the New York State Department of Corrections. He worked at the Legendary Sing Sing Correctional Facility. Where it housed some of the most Famous and Deadliest Inmates. Became a member of an Elite Squad known as Crisis Emergency Response Team for the State of New York, Crime Scene Investigator, Assistant Fire Chief, Union Shop Steward, and Spike Lee’s Bodyguard. David was ordained as a Deacon at Second Prince of Peace Baptist Church in Bronx, NY. After 32 years of service in Law Enforcement David retired and returned to his beginnings in South Carolina. Where he became an active and dedicated Deacon of Griffin Ebenezer Baptist Church. He dedicated his years of passionate service as an advocate of the church and community Youth. David loved his church home and especially its youth. David leaves to mourn his wife Angela T. Griffin, 6 children, David Griffin, Bronx NY, Joshua Griffin, Atlanta, GA, Joshua Copeland, Bronx, NY, Lakim Griffin-Wright (Stanley), Green Pond, SC, Gayle Griffin-Clodd (Duane), Mt. Vernon, NY. Elizabeth Latham, NY, NY. Three Grandsons Marquise Marshall, Long Island, NY, Bryce Clodd, Mt. Vernon, NY, Brandon Clodd, Mt. Vernon, NY *Bonus child Addison Daniels, Easley, SC* Two sisters Antoinette Hicks, New York, NY, and Telesia Dozier Pennsylvania, PA. Two Sons-in-Law, Two Sisters-in-Law, Four Brothers-in-Law. One Aunt Annie Bell, New York, NY. A host of Nephews, Nieces, Great Nephews and Great Nieces, and Cousins. David has two brothers that preceded him in death. Honorable Mention and Heartfelt Special Thanks to Traditions Health, Dr. G. Holton, Foothills Internal Medicine, Staff at Patewood Rehabilitation Facility, Greenville, SC, Betty Robinson, Pickens, SC, Will Hurt, Easley, SC, Bobbi Smith, Atlanta, GA, Wali Mohammad, New York, NY, Leslie Daniels, Easley, SC, Captain T. Underhill, Pickens County Detention, Lt. D. Sisco, Melissa Hall, Easley, SC, Jennifer Lewis, SC and the Trustees of the Pickens County Detention. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 4, 2023, in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM with a funeral service to follow at 12:00 PM. Burial will follow the service at Secona Baptist Church Cemetery, 234 Secona Rd, Pickens, SC 29671. Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations in David’s honor may be made to Griffin Ebenezer Baptist Church Youth Ministry, 450 Garvin St, Pickens, SC 29671. Favorite Scriptures: Psalms 23 Joshua 1:9 Favorite Quotes: “Reach One teach One” (Rucker’s mission statement) “When someone shows you how they are the first time, believe them.” (Dr. M. Angelou) Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Griffin family.

Deacon David Griffin

August 1, 1942 - July 28, 2023