WAYCROSS — The Legendary Talmadge Arthur Griffin, 78, of Waycross, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Sunday morning, October 23, 2022, at his daughter’s residence in Lakeland, Ga., after an extended illness
It is fitting that he decided to leave this earth on a Sunday morning as that was his favorite day of the week. He could be found in solitude drinking a cup of coffee, smoking a cig and watching the sun rise on any given Sunday morning. He truly lived his life “easy like Sunday morning.”
On September 26, 1944, he was the sixth child born to the late Noah and Georgia Carter Griffin. He came into this world already having one big sister and four big brothers. He took his place as the fifth boy and for a minute thought that he would enjoy the privileges of being the baby of the family. That was not his destiny as five more siblings were birthed after him for a total of 11 children.
He was often described as a laid back and skinny boy. With that many siblings, he was most likely last in line to eat due to his laid back nature, and who knows how much food was left after feeding that many kids! His world was rocked when the seventh child was born.
His name was Justin, and he had spirit from day one. They spent most days fighting and in competition for everything. It is amazing they both survived and did not take each other out during one of their battles. I’m sure Justin’s first words when his brother walked through the pearly gates of heaven were “What took you so long.” His love for all of his brothers and sisters was fierce.
He managed to survive his childhood and graduate from Manor High School in 1965. Many people have described him as the coolest person they have ever met. He was always good looking, loved a stiff drink, fast cars — and motorcycles —and pretty women. Speaking of pretty women, while in high school and by God’s saving grace, he hit the jackpot and met the love of his life and wife of 55 years, Carol Davis Griffin. He sat behind Carol’s brother, Wayne, in English class and told him he was going to marry his sister. Wayne told him, “I’ll kill you if you mess with my sister.” Thankfully, he didn’t listen, and while Wayne was away in California he married Carol. Wayne became not only a brother-in-lawbut a lifelong brother and friend.
Talmadge was drafted into the United States Army in 1965 and served in Vietnam. Upon his return, Carol had bought him a closet full of new clothes and a 1967 Ford Fairlane. To say he hit the jackpot is an understatement. Shortly after returning, family life began with the birth of his three daughters Amanda, Linda and Brenda. There are no words to describe the love he had for his girls and the love they had for him. We are honored and blessed that he was chosen by God to be our dad. With Daddy at the helm, our lives have never been boring!
His love for the woods resulted in a successful career in the forestry industry. He was the Plant Manager for St. Regis Allied Paper Corporation and Champion International Corporation both in Waycross. Many of his employees and their families became lifelong friends.
Throughout the years, he also was the owner and operator of several businesses. Other achievements include serving as the Chairman of the Georgia Forestry Commission and receipt of multiple Army Commendation Medals.
He was a charismatic leader, and much of his success in business and in his personal life can be attributed to his gift of being a fabulous conversationalist. He could carry on a conversation about any subject, with his favorite being politics. No matter what your political views were, after having a conversation with him, you would immediately start looking forward to the next visit with him.
He enjoyed people and believed everyone had a story to tell. I don’t think there was ever a conversation had with him where laughter was not involved. He was a great listener and mentor to many family and friends throughout his life. If you’re lucky enough to call him your friend, I’m sure you have a funny story to tell.
And lastly, he was a wonderful papa to his three grandchildren, Jackson, Brooke and Ian. Unfortunately, his grandchildren only got to know him after he had a stroke and the onset of dementia. However, they each carry a piece of Papa’s personality within them, and we’re so thankful for that.
We would like to extend a special thanks to his caregivers who so lovingly took care of him during his final days: Lea Singletary, Patty Jenergan and Tisha Baker.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Davis Griffin; two sisters, Doris Aldridge and Wanda Steedley; four brothers, Dave Griffin, Justin Griffin, Winton Griffin and Frank Griffin.
Survivors include his three daughters, Amanda Jean Griffin of Lakeland, Linda Griffin of Savannah and Brenda Bibee (husband Jason) of Hilton Head, S.C.; three grandchildren, Jackson Matthew Bibee, Brooke McKennah Bibee and Ian Carter Berry; three sisters, Becky Bolden of Blackshear, Mary Griffin of Waycross and Sharon Bateson of Homerville; one brother, Ben Griffin (wife Robin) of Waycross; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
A funeral service was held Thursday, October 27, at Piney Grove Church. Burial followed in Piney Grove Cemetery with military honors provided by an Honor Guard from Ft. Stewart Army Base. Active pallbearers were Jason Bibee, Jackson Bibee, Ian Berry, Brent Reid, Wayne Davis and Billy Griffin.
Sympathy may be expressed online at www.milesodumfuneralhome.com
Miles-Odum Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
