Joel Griffin Jr.

Joel Ross (Joe) Griffin, Jr., 85, husband of June Tanner Griffin of 67 years, died Sunday, September 6, 2015, at Spartanburg Hospital for Restorative Care. Born June 20, 1930, in Marion, VA, he was the son of the late Joel R. and Lois Finley Griffin. Joe is survived by his son, Joel C. Griffin of Spartanburg, and daughter, Cynthia Griffin Wynkoop of Greenville; along with his two grandchildren, Margaret Griffin Wynkoop and Will Wynkoop, who were the love of his life. He was predeceased by his sisters, Jean Griffin Wofford and Nell Griffin Morrow. As the Founder of Griffin Gear, Joe supported his community in many ways. He enjoyed seeing his business grow and being with family and friends. He served as Highway Commissioner for the upstate from 1980 to 1984. When completed in 1998, the newly relocated I-85 was named in his honor by the SC Legislature. In 2005 his was awarded the "Order of the Palmetto" by Governor Mark Sanford. He served on the Board of Trustees at the Storm Eye Institute in Charleston, Spartanburg Regional Heart Board, American Red Cross, Children's Shelter, Charles Lea Center, Board of Visitors of the Medical University of SC, as well as many others. He was an Elder and Deacon Emeritus of the Presbyterian Church USA and member of First Presbyterian Church. He was a former member of the Lion's Club, Spartanburg Rotary Club, Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Gear Manufactures Association as well as their Chairman for the Small Business Council, Spartanburg Transportation Council overseeing county roads, and maintenance, Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts, and past chairman of the Roebuck Fire District. Joe's proudest achievement was restoring and installing the Old Town Clock which now resides in the Clock Tower on Main Street. This was done at no cost to the city or county as a gift to the citizens of Spartanburg County. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at First Presbyterian Church, 393 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Tom Evans and the Rev. Joanne Hull. A private burial will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to the Spartanburg Regional Foundation, 101 E. Wood St., Spartanburg, SC 29302 or Mobile Meal Services, PO Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joel "Joe" Ross Griffin Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.