Granvil "Junior" Griffin, Jr.

Granvil Garland “Junior” Griffin, Jr., 68, of Stuarts Draft, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at the home of his son.

He was born May 20, 1956, a son of the late Granvil “Tom” Garland and Mary “Janet” (Losh) Griffin.

A man of many talents, Junior was chiefly a self-employed contractor and carpenter.  Additionally, he had been employed with Cerro Metal Products, Country Estates, and had worked in the construction of the Bath County Pumped Storage Station.

Junior was a graduate of Highland High School’s class of 1974, and was eager to attend his 50-year class reunion, which was only days away.

From a young age he was an outdoorsman, and enjoyed hunting game and ginseng throughout his life.   But those that knew him understood that above all else, Junior Griffin was an ardent fisherman.  Whether on Smith Mountain Lake for stripers, walking the river’s bank in Blue Grass for trout, or fishing the surf in North Carolina, to Junior he was most content when he was able to simply cast a line.  Over the years he became part of a community of likeminded fishermen, and had a core group of friends who refer to themselves as the “Striper Gang”, who were as close to family as one can get.  Sharing time with his fishing buddies and sharing his knowledge of fishing with the younger generation also meant so much to him. And, although without question, fishing was a big part of Junior’s life, to him it remained second to his main focus--family.

Junior Griffin truly was a family man and time with his boys was always important. He found great joy teaching them to hunt and fish as children, and as adults continued to guide them through situations both good and bad. His boys said “he was like a teacher, always sharing his experiences and knowledge with us and ensuring traditions were passed on.” He also absolutely adored his granddaughter, Kendall, and treasured the time they shared together.  Additionally, Junior loved his furbabies, and they too will miss him greatly. And, it should be mentioned he was also a loving and devoted son to Tom and Janet. Rarely did a week pass when he didn’t come home to visit and when the time came, he never hesitated to care for his ailing father – he never stopped missing his parents.

Junior will be remembered for his huge smile and good nature, for his ability to make friends with anyone, and for being that guy who just shows up and brightens your day.   Absolutely, he will be greatly missed by his loving family and countless friends.

He is survived by two sons, Brent Griffin of Newport, N.C. and Dustin Griffin and wife, Mollie of Stuarts Draft; his sister, Diane Ruckman of Jacksonville, N.C.; his brother, Kenneth Griffin of Grand Lake, CO; his beloved granddaughter, Kyndall Griffin of Newport, N.C.; as well as his niece and nephews.

The family will receive friends during a time of visitation 6 -8 p.m., Friday evening at Obaugh Funeral Home in McDowell.

A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, June 15, 2024 in Head Waters Cemetery with Pastor Paul LeProvette officiating.

Pallbearers will be Brent and Kyle Obaugh, Layton Jerrells, Patrick Shiflett, James Waggy, Horace Rowe, John Moats, Ken Hudson, and Dustin Meek.

In memory of Junior, memorial contributions may be made to the Little Switzerland Strutters (Kid’s Fish Day), 3810 Davis Run Road, McDowell, VA 24458.