Russell Lee Griffin

RED OAK – Russell Lee Griffin, age 93, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, October 16, 2021. Born in Nash County, NC on August 4, 1928, he was the son of the late Jesse Martin Griffin and Mattie Forrest Griffin. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Gertrude Wells, Louise Harper and Mattie Mae Holmes; his brothers, Tommy George Griffin, Jesse Robert Griffin, Jasper Griffin, Charlie Martin Griffin, Howard Griffin, and Luther Griffin.

Russell grew up on a farm until he started working at the old W.E. Griffin Store for over 20 years and also over 20 dedicated years at Red Oak Elementary School as a custodian. He had a gift for gardening and enjoyed his garden filled with vegetables and watermelon along with making homemade ice cream on his porch with family and friends. Russell was an active member of Red Oak Baptist Church where he graciously served in many capacities, he always enjoyed ringing the bells with the children on Sunday mornings. A man best known for his contagious personality, Russell never met a stranger who wouldn’t gravitate to his kindness and warm heart. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Russell was a humble man and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Russell is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara Daniel Griffin of Red Oak; his daughter, Donnye Griffin Saunders and her husband, George of Aventon; his grandson, Jonathan Saunders and his wife, Alison of Raleigh; his granddaughter, Megan Saunders Ward and her husband, Neal of Rocky Point; and great granddaughters, Evelyn and Natalie Saunders of Raleigh; and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Russell’s life will be held on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 1:00 PM at Red Oak Baptist Church, 5515 Red Oak Road, Red Oak, NC 27868 with Pastor Chris Fowler officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. A visitation with the family will be from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM prior to the service in the Sanctuary of Red Oak Baptist Church.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Russell’s memory to Red Oak Baptist Church, PO Box 260, Red Oak, NC 27868.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.