Edwin Doyle Griffin

Edwin “Doyle” Griffin, a devout Christian, passed away at the age of 96 on Friday, June 7, 2024, to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Born on October 8, 1927, in Durham, NC, he was the son of the late Clarence Griffin and Ruby Hurst Griffin.

In his high school days, Doyle was a renowned baseball pitcher and, despite his small size, was reported to be as tough as a football player.  He was the last surviving male from his 1947/1948 graduating class of Oak Grove High School.  He began his career working for Meadow Gold Dairy where he was a branch manager expanding into Wake County and later became a State Farm Insurance agent for 30+ years, serving his community well. 

A longtime and faithful member of Plainview Baptist Church, Mr. Griffin dedicated many years to teaching Sunday School classes and serving in various capacities. Doyle enjoyed gardening, sharing his bounty with neighbors, friends, and family, and helping Bernice tend to her beautiful flowers. He loved taking Bernice to Wendy’s, The Dog House, and other restaurants, but cherished the meals she prepared from their garden, especially her homemade cornbread and biscuits. An avid fan of the Atlanta Braves, Duke basketball, and FOX News, Doyle had many interests that kept him engaged and joyful.

Doyle was a strong, determined, and hardworking provider for his family, known for his kind and caring nature. He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, “Papa,” “Papa Doyle,” and a great friend to many. His caring ways and loving demeanor will be deeply missed by all who knew him over his wonderful 96 years.

Doyle was preceded in death by his loving wife, Bernice Copeland Griffin; brother, Clarence Griffin, Jr.; and sister, Jean Taylor.

He is survived by his son, Stuart Griffin (Ruby); sister, Peggy Parker; grandchildren, Erika Byrd (Jason) and Andrew Griffin (Sarah); great-grandchildren, Cole Byrd (Amber), Cade Byrd, Carleigh Franks (Jase), Copeland Griffin, and Barrett Griffin; and numerous other loving family members, church members, and friends.

The family extends a special thank you to Doyle’s caregivers: Angela, Susan, Lori, Liza, Kristin, Kim, Kimbo, and Tyesha, for their compassionate and loving care.

A grave side service will be held, Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 10:00am, at Maplewood cemetery, ( Annex "B", section 19 ) 1621 Duke University Rd, Durham NC

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Doyle’s memory to Plainview Baptist Church, 5200 Cheek Rd., Durham, NC 27704, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.