Douglas Peden Griffin

Douglas Peden Griffin, of Athens, GA, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, September 22 after a lengthy illness. While we are bereft, we know that his soul and salvation rests in the hands of his Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ. He was preceded in death by his father, William E. "Billy" Griffin, mother, Peggy Griffin, and father-in-law, Simeon L. Bell. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Karen Bell Griffin; daughter, Jesi Malloy (Ryan) of Brentwood, TN - Adalyn (11), Eliana (9) and Brynna (7); son, Jake Griffin (Missy) of Lakeville, MN - Everett (7) and Veda (4); brother, Joe Griffin (Kim) of Lynnhaven, FL and mother-in-Law, Betty F. Bell of Athens, GA.
Doug was a highly accomplished math educator throughout the State of Georgia and was recognized on multiple occasions as "Teacher of the Year" at Lowndes County and Oglethorpe County Schools. Because of his love of sports, Doug also coached multiple teams within these school systems including girls and boys basketball, baseball, and football. Born in Hahira, Georgia, he graduated Salutatorian of his class from Lowndes County High School in 1973. He went on to graduate from Valdosta State University and the University of Georgia, including a Masters, Specialist and Doctoral Studies in Mathematics Education. Later, he was recognized with an honorary membership into the Golden Key International Honor Society in 2009. He concluded his 25+ year teaching career as a faculty member in the Math Education Department at UGA, the home of his beloved Bulldawgs, surrounded by his mathematical mentors whom he held in the highest regard.
His teaching efforts extended beyond the classroom to adult Sunday School, using his Church of Christ upbringing and immense knowledge of The Word of God to help strengthen others at Tuckston United Methodist Church for over 15 years. Additionally, he and his wife were instrumental in founding Grace Athens, a plant of Grace Fellowship Church of Snellville, providing a community where students of UGA could grow in their relationship with God.
From a young age, Doug was immersed in the building trade, observing and learning first-hand from his father, Billy. In the summers, they would visit dear family friends in Blue Ridge, GA and help build cabins in the Great Smoky Mountains. It was here the seeds were planted for a lifetime spent in residential and commercial construction as a Licensed Contractor in the State of Georgia. Countless projects were completed throughout North and South Georgia including multi-family, office complexes, warehouses and residential subdivision developments. He was honored with Athens Board of Realtors "Revitalization of Our Community" Award for the Captain's Quarters Development on Oglethorpe Avenue in Athens. Doug also worked closely with the Lowndes County Industrial Development Authority as the Commercial Contractor for the DuPont building in the Westside Business Park and Nature Nate's Honey Company in Miller Business Park, providing many employment opportunities for his native Lowndes County.
Doug was a loving and faithful husband, a caring and encouraging father and beloved "Doc" to his five grandchildren. Those who knew him best understood he could entertain a crowd with his dry, quick-witted one-liners and in-turn provide you with his completely undivided attention - making you feel like the most important person in the world. He was at every game and recital in support of his children growing up and truly embodied the role of Patriarch and Provider. Joshua 24:15 concludes with..."as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." This passage served as the foundation of his life and will remain a legacy beyond his 66 years.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 25th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Hahira United Methodist Church Social Hall. An additional visitation will follow on Sunday, September 26th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Pittard Park, 115 Parkview Road Winterville, Ga.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hope Springs Community Church at hopespringsathens.com/donate-online/.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens and Boone Funeral Home Adel, GA are in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com.