Byron Eugene Griffin, Jr.

Byron Eugene Griffin, Jr., 69, of Columbus, GA, passed peacefully from this life at his home on Friday, December 8, 2023.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, December 15, 2023 in the chapel of McMullen Funeral Home, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA, with Reverend Billy Duncan officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be held at Parkhill Cemetery immediately following the funeral services.

Byron was born July 10, 1954, in Columbus, GA, one of four children to the late Byron ‘Bill’ and Lillian Griffin. He attended Jordan High School and worked at Tom Huston Foods until he retired. He gave his profession of faith on January 24, 1964, and became a member of Oates Avenue Baptist Church in Columbus. He later joined and was an active member of Beallwood Baptist Church of Columbus.

As long as his health allowed, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and swapping tall tales with his old cronies while hanging out at Lake Oliver Marina. His stories and witty observations will continue to echo in the minds of all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was a good cook and, until he ‘retired’ his grill, he claimed (rightfully) to barbecue the best ribs in town. Bryon was a loving brother, uncle and friend.  He could be a crotchety old bachelor, but was well-known for his quick-wit and great sense of humor, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those he met. He never had children of his own, but shared a special bond with his sister Carol, and together they doted on her grandchildren, ensuring they were well-loved and perhaps a little spoiled. Byron's relationship with his niece DeAnne (a cardiac nurse) was marked by her caring nature and his begrudging acceptance of her health advice, a dance of love and stubbornness that brought joy and laughter to those around them.

As we bid farewell to Byron, we take comfort in the joy he brought into our lives and the laughter that will continue to resonate in his memory. He will be greatly and forever missed by all who knew and loved him. His absence will be felt deeply, but his legacy of laughter and love will live on.

He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Byron Sr. and Lillian Griffin, his brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Cathy Griffin, sister, Carol McNeil, and nieces Kimberly McNeil and Jennifer Holley.

He is survived by his loving sister, Glenda Holley (Jerry) of Columbus, GA, nephews, Gregory McNeil (DeAnne) of Midland, GA, Michael (Edeliza) of Box Springs, GA, Chris McClellan of Phenix City, AL, Mike Griffin (Heather) of Monroe, GA, nieces, Connie Roberts (Michael) of Milledgeville, GA and Melanie Gates (Brian) of Monroe, GA, as well as several great nieces and nephews.