Bennett Dunlap Griffin Sr.

COLUMBIA - Bennett Dunlap Griffin, Sr., 74, of Columbia, SC, died on Friday, July 27, 2018, at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC. The son of the late Thomas Edmond Griffin and Mary Charlotte Nelme of Ansonville, NC, Bennett was born on July 3, 1944, in Wadesboro, NC. He married Barbara Lee Smethie on August 29, 1970, and they had two much-loved sons, Bennett Dunlap Griffin, Jr. (Ailyn), and William Smethie Griffin (Chesley), both of Charleston. He took special pride in his five grandchildren, Omi, Bennett III, Alston, Will Jr., and George.

Bennett is also survived by a brother, David Griffin (Tammy) of Albemarle, NC, sister, Charlotte Griffin Jenkins (Henry), of Matthews, NC, and sister-in-law June Griffin of North Myrtle Beach, SC, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Edmond Griffin, Jr.

He attended Wingate College and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte but was also known to cheer for the Tar Heels.

Bennett loved his family fiercely and was fiercely loved in return. His keen interest in people brought him fulfillment and success in 40 years of orthopedic sales and engendered the loyalty of a wide circle of friends. His great courage, quiet dignity, and boundless inner strength served him well on the high school gridiron; on a tour of duty with the U.S. Army in Vietnam, for which he was awarded the Bronze Star; and throughout the myriad health issues he faced for many years. He met every challenge valiantly and without complaint, fighting each battle with all he had.

Services for Bennett will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 31, at Shandon United Methodist Church, 3407 Devine St., Columbia, SC, with a reception to follow in Player Hall, and at 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 3, at All Souls Episcopal Church on Highway 52 in Ansonville, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Duke Heart Center Heart Failure Group, c/o Blue Dean, Executive Director of Development, 710 W. Main Street, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27701, or to the Duke Cancer Institute, c/o Dr. Joe Moore/Michelle Cohen, 710 W. Main Street, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27701.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.