John Thomas (J.T.) Griffin

John Thomas (J.T.) Griffin, 92, of Valdosta, died on Monday, October 7, 2013 at Langdale Hospice House following a lengthy illness. He was born on November 22, 1920 in Coolidge, Georgia to the late Charles Thomas and Dorothy Suber Griffin. He was a veteran of WWII having served in the Merchant Marines. Upon his return from service, he entered into the lumber business and was the retired owner/operator of the J.T. Griffin Lumber, Co. in Valdosta. His expertise in the lumber business led to a patented invention in 1962 called the Griffsaw. This saw reduced the amount of sawdust in the log-cutting process. Through his efforts and foresight he was instrumental in the development of the Triple Lake Subdivision in Valdosta. Mr. Griffin was also an accomplished tomato and blueberry farmer. He always had a story to go along with any situation which might arise. His anecdotes were always entertaining and his family and friends always enjoyed his stories regardless of how many times he told them. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Valdosta and loved being a member of his Scrap Iron Sunday School class.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Gandy Griffin of Valdosta; a son, Charles Thomas Griffin of Moultrie; two daughters and a son-in-law, Lana Gail Rich of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Cindy and Steve Weber of Moultrie; two step-sons, Greg Gandy of Valdosta and Dale Gandy of Tifton; a half-sister, Betty Jo Griffin Carlton of Coolidge, Georgia; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Mr. Griffin was preceded in death by his first wife, Lucille Horton Griffin; his step-mother, Lucille Moncrief Griffin; a sister, Burnett Barnes; a brother, W.M. Griffin; his second wife, Clara (Griffin) Griffin.

Services for J.T. Griffin will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 10, 2013 at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Mac Weaver officiating. The burial will follow in the McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Hospice of South Georgia or the First Baptist Church Missions Fund. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane.




Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602