D.H. Griffin - In Memoriam

September 16, 2024

Industry icon and founding member of the National Demolition Association, D.H. Griffin Sr., passed away peacefully on September 15. His remarkable legacy will be deeply cherished and remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

D.H. was born and raised in Rockingham County. From an early age, D.H. learned the value of hard work, dedication, and of rising with the sun. At the age of 9, he began plowing the fields on a sharecropper’s farm with a mule. D.H. discontinued his education in the 8th grade and continued working on the farm until he got a job working at Lorillard Tobacco. This is where he met his future wife and love of his life, Marylene Fields. They were married December 24,1958 and went on to have a beautiful life together and three wonderful children, Benita, Melody, and David Jr. whom they adored.

In 1959, D.H. and his wife, Marylene, started D.H. Griffin Wrecking Company with a pickup truck and a desire to get ahead. His first project was dismantling a church by hand and using the materials to build their first home. He continued over the years, taking buildings down with hand-tools and recycling the materials. He built the company brick-by-recycled brick and a clothesline post at a time with the help of the best team members. Under his leadership, the company grew from a small local operation to a nationwide powerhouse, known for handling some of the most complex and high-profile demolition projects in the country.

“In 1972, DH Griffin Wrecking Company was a pivotal founding member of our association. DH's company significantly shaped the industry and our organization. His legacy serves as a shining example of a world-class wrecking company. We all strive to emulate DH's success and hope to achieve even a fraction of his remarkable accomplishments," said NDA President James Milburn.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you honor DH's spirit by giving back to your community. Consider making a donation to your favorite charity, helping a friend or stranger in need, volunteering for a local cause, creating new memories with loved ones, or simply doing something that makes the world a better place.

DH will be remembered as a remarkable individual whose kindness and influence touched the lives of all who knew him. His memory will forever be cherished.

A visitation will be held on, Thursday, September 19 from 4:30PM - 8:00PM and the funeral service will be held on, Friday, September 20 at 1:00PM both at Definition Church 1806 Merritt Dr, Greensboro, NC 27407