Daniel Clayton Griffin, Jr.

Daniel Clayton Griffin, Jr, 80, passed away on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at his home after a long illness.  

Daniel was born on July 16, 1943 in Fayetteville North Carolina to Daniel Clayton and Edna Odom Griffin.  He received a B.S. from East Carolina University in 1965.  While attending ECU he would meet Jency Ann Wellons, who would ultimately become his bride.  They started their life together in Charlotte, NC where he was a practicing CPA for thirteen years.   Dan and his family moved back home to Fayetteville in 1978 where he continued his CPA career and became a well-respected business and civic leader.

Dan believed strongly in serving his community and devoted his time and talents to many organizations including past President of the Fayetteville YMCA and longtime member of the Fayetteville Rotary Club where he received the Paul Harris Fellow Award.  

He was a man of strong faith and showed great compassion and loyalty to his family and friends.  For many years Dan hosted the annual Griffin Family Reunion bringing together generations for fellowship and fun each fall.  When his cousin, David Tubb, was diagnosed and subsequently lost his battle to brain cancer, he organized the annual Hole-In-The-Head golf tournament with proceeds benefitting cancer research at Wake Forest University Baptist Hospital.  There was nothing he loved more than spending time with family and friends, especially his two grandchildren who in his last few years were medicine to his soul.  

As a lifelong member of MacPherson Presbyterian Church, Dan served for many years as an elder and treasurer.  He was a volunteer and leader with the Boy Scouts of America for more than 50 years serving on the troop, council, and district levels. For his years of service and dedication to scouting, he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award.  His passion for scouting and “doing a good deed” were instrumental in helping many young men achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, including his own sons and grandson. He was always incredibly humbled by and proud of each of the many scouts who crossed his path. 

Dan was preceded in death by his loving son, Turner Wellons Griffin.  

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 59 years, Jency Wellons Griffin, son Daniel C. Griffin, III and wife Lula of Fayetteville; and two grandchildren, Dr. Daniel C. Griffin, IV and wife Elizabeth of Washington DC and Margaret Sperethoula Griffin of Fayetteville.  Dan is also survived by his sister Carol Griffin Williams and husband Byron of Fayetteville; as well as a large extended family.

The family will receive friends Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 11 am to 12 pm at MacPherson Presbyterian Church.  Funeral services will begin at 12 pm in the church sanctuary with Dr. James Randall officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery followed by refreshments in the fellowship hall.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the loving caregivers of Bayada Home Health, especially Calliope Papagikos, Dorothy, Dori, and Misty, as well as Cindy Bryant who has been a kind and faithful caregiver to the Griffins over the last few months.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to MacPherson Presbyterian Church, 3525 Cliffdale Road, Fayetteville, NC  28303.