Larry D. Griffin

Obituary For Larry D. Griffin

Larry Darnel Griffin was born October 15, 1952, to the late James Walter Griffin and Garthenia Scales Griffin in Holly Springs, Mississippi. He was one of ten children born into the loving family.

Larry accepted Christ into his life at an early age in Holly Springs, Mississippi at Providence Missionary Baptist Church. Upon settling in Aurora, Illinois, Larry found refuge at Gayles Memorial Baptist Church where he remained a member until he transitioned.

Larry, affectionately known by his friends and family as “whoop,” was called home to be with his Heavenly Father on November 23, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee.

A graduate of Cadet High School in Holly Springs, Mississippi, Larry continued his professional career by enlisting in the US Army, where he fought in the Korea War for years and discharged honorably.

He later evolved his craft and moved into construction, where he was a Cement Mason. He spent most of his years working on sites in Memphis, Aurora and Chicago, where he was extremely proud to see his work still standing tall today. Larry worked in construction until he retired.

Whoop was known to have a joke, a smile and a good time. He was funny, generous, and loved his family. Even more than that, he loved to let people know “I’m from Town,” and “It’s in the DNA.” He had a rolodex of sayings where everyone he knew and loved could recall at least one.

To cherish and honor his memory, Larry leaves behind two daughters: Roxanne Samuels of Oakland CA, Myiesha Griffin of Chicago, Illinois. and a bonus son; Carlos Rucker of Horicon , Wisconsin. Two grandchildren: Aces and Anyo Bell of Oakland CA and Myles Griffin, who proceeded him in death.

He leaves behind 6 siblings James Griffin of Memphis, TN., Madison (Donna) Griffin of Montgomery, IL., Willie (Tammy) Griffin of Aurora, IL., Barbara Pool of Memphis, TN., Juliette Griffin Perry (Bill) of Jackson, TN., Mona Griffin of Holly Springs, MS., and one brother-in-law Mark Porter. He was proceeded in death by three of his siblings, who he loved and missed dearly; Linwood Jones, Deborah Griffin-Porter and Walter Griffin. He also leaves behind a host of friends, relatives and nieces and nephews, who he loved dearly.

Larry “Whoop” Griffin will be missed for his laughs and jokes and missed even greater for his heart.

The family will receive friends Friday December 6, 2024 from 4:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. at R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home- 374 Vance Ave, Memphis, TN 38126. Celebration of Life will be held Saturday December 7, 2024 there will be a viewing from 10:00am- 10:55am with a service to follow at 11:00am both will be held at Abundant Grace Fellowship Church, 1574 E. Shelby Dr. Memphis, TN 38116