Samuel Griffin departed this life Friday, Aug. 4, 2017, surrounded by his family.  He was born Dec. 22, 1945, to Samuel Griffin and Thelma Knox in Gulfport. 

He received his early education in the Forest County School System.  He graduated from Earl Travillion Attendance Center in 1962.  He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Jackson State University and his Master’s Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.

He began his career in 1966 as assistant band director at Alcorn State University.  In 1968, he became Director of Bands and remained in this position until retirement in Dec. of 2012.  For 46 years, he worked tirelessly teaching young men and women to be better than they ever imagined. He was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity for 50 years and an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma for 28 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Thelma Griffin; and his brother, Frederick Griffin. 

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife, Peggy Griffin; sons, Samuel and Christopher Griffin (Lisa); daughters, Daphne Hudson (Adrian), Christine Griffin and Jessica Hoover (James); his sister, Carrie Williams; twelve grandchildren; one great-grandchild; nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at Word of Faith Christian Center, 3525 Wisconsin Ave, with Pastor Reginald Walker officiating.

Burial will follow at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. at Lakeview Memorial Funeral Home and from 6 to 7 p.m. at Word of Faith Christian Center and again Saturday at the church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.