Holland L. Griffin, Sr.

Deacon Emeritus Holland Lawson Griffin, Sr. departed this earthly life on February 19, 2026. Born on March 26, 1942, to the late Rev. Maceo Griffin and Inez George Griffin, he leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife and best friend, Oletha Valerie DeBerry Griffin; five children: Dr. Alyssa Griffin Jones (Hubert), Holland Lawson Griffin, Jr. (Lakina), Antonio Vincent Griffin (Amina), Lakeisha Yvette Engelhardt, and Travon Jerome Griffin (Nadine); fifteen grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his elder sister, Bernice Jenkins (Nathan); his brother, James Griffin; and his baby sister, Cora Brown (Berry). Several uncles and aunts also preceded him in death. He leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Deacon Emeritus Griffin served honorably in the United States Army and Army Reserve for thirty-four years, retiring with distinction at the rank of Master Sergeant. He traveled the highways as a dedicated truck driver for more than fifty years, always journeying with God as his guide. Fondly known as "The Undertaker," his cherished CB handle, he was often remembered with a cup of coffee in one hand and a road map in the other.

Entering the Deacon Ministry in the early 1970s, he served faithfully as a Deacon at New Hope Christian Church in Burton, South Carolina. After relocating his family to Columbia, South Carolina, he joined Oak Grove Baptist Church in Pontiac, South Carolina, in 1995, where he continued to serve the Lord as a devoted Deacon.

In 2018, Oak Grove Baptist Church honored him with the distinguished title of Deacon Emeritus in recognition of his faithful service from 1995 until his ailment progressed.

A faithful brother of the Masonic Lodge in Beaufort, South Carolina, some of his most cherished times were spent serving his community. Known as a "jack of all trades" and a "master of some," he touched countless lives near and far with his skills, wisdom, and generous spirit. Though the many lives he impacted cannot all be named here, his legacy of service, faith, and love will endure for generations to come. 

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.   Colossians 3:23-24 

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.  Matthew 6:33-34

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