John R. Griffin

John R. Griffin, 87, of Sanford, passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2020 at his home.

Mr. Griffin was born in Harnett County, on July 27, 1932, to the late Johnnie Ernest Griffin and Leeanie Nordan Griffin.  In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son, Jerry Lynn Griffin; a brother, Grady Lonnie Griffin; and a sister Virginia Dare Matthews.  He was a retired veteran of the US Air Force where he served his country for 20 years and then civil service for 22 years.  His life of service to his country was as follows: Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX, Sheppard Air Force Base, Witchita Falls, TX, Atlanta General Depot, Forest Park, GA, Hamilton Army Air Field, Novato, CA, Long Beach Army Air Field, Long Beach, CA, Beale Air Force Base, Marysville, CA, Pope Air Force Base, Fayetteville, NC, Albrook Air Force Station, Panama Canal, Panama, Harlingen Air Force Base, Harlingen, TX, Sheppard Air Force Base, Witchita Falls, TX, Reese Air Force Base, Lubbock, TX, Amarillo Air Force Base, Amarillo, TX, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Goldsboro, NC, Saglek Air Station, Labrador, Canada (Radar), Minot Air Force Base, Minot, ND (Missles), Bangkok International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand, and Great Falls Air Force Base, Great Falls, Montana.

He is survived by his wife, Bobbie Henley Griffin of the home; son, Steve Griffin and husband Tim Thomas of Sanford; daughters, Janet Mashburn and Paul of Broadway, Judy Shaw and Jim of Pittsboro, and step-daughter Sharon Denkins and Randy of Sanford; ten grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild named Griffin after his Papa.

An entombment service will be held Tuesday, March 31, 2020, 3PM at Lee Memory Gardens with Pastor Larry Martin and Pastor Jim Cochran presiding.  In lieu of flowers family request donations to a charity of one’s choice.

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