Robert E. Griffin

Robert E. Griffin, 86, of Columbia, died on Friday, September 11, 2026. Born in Richland County, SC, on September 14, 1939, he was a son of the late Marion Eugene and Willie Mae Wiley Griffin.

Mr. Griffin was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and cherished member of his community. He was known for his love of family, his dedication to coaching, and his willingness to serve others. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Linda, with whom he shared 65 wonderful years of marriage.

A graduate of Columbia High School in 1958, he went on to attend the University of South Carolina. He enjoyed a career as a distributor of pet supplies and was a dedicated member of the Army Reserve, where he served for 38 years, including as a head chef.

He was a longtime member of Greenlawn Baptist Church, where he taught RAs and coached both boys’ and girls’ basketball teams. Coaching was especially meaningful to him, and throughout his career, he had the privilege of coaching his children, nephews, and grandchildren. His commitment to young people and athletics earned him the honor of Coach of the Year.

His love for baseball was just as strong as his love for coaching. In fact, following his daughter’s wedding, he went straight to the ballpark—still dressed in his tuxedo—to coach his team. It was a perfect reflection of his passion for the game and his unwavering dedication to the young people he coached. He never let an opportunity to be on the ballfield pass him by.

In 2002, he was awarded the South Carolina Order of the Silver Crescent in recognition of his outstanding service to his community.

In addition to his wife, Linda Wilkes Griffin, survivors include his children, Jon Scott Griffin (Sonjie), Robert Todd Griffin, and Kelley Griffin Hollifield (Doug); six grandchildren, Jon “Jay” Scott Griffin, Jr. (Allison), Robert Edwin Griffin (Ainslie), Hunter Boyce Hollifield (Amy), Taylor Griffin Wilson (Crawford), Griffin Browning Hollifield (Cayley), and Tanner Allen Griffin (Haylee); and eight great-grandchildren, Kensie, Parker, and Landen Griffin, Ellory and Evie Wilson, and Beau, Ava, and Hazel Hollifield. He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends whom he loved dearly. He was predeceased by his brother, Ronald Allen Griffin.

A celebration of life for Mr. Griffin, held on his birthday, will take place at 1 o'clock on Monday, September 14th, at Greenlawn Baptist Church, with burial to immediately follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. The Rev. Dr. Gary Light will officiate. The family will receive friends from 4 until 6 o’clock Sunday evening at the church. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

Memorials may be made to Greenlawn Baptist Church, 6612 Garners Ferry Rd, Columbia, SC, 29209.