Charles Everett ‘Ev’ Griffin Jr.

Published 8:51 am Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Charles Everett “Ev” Griffin Jr. died with his family by his bedside, on March 27, 2021.

He was born Sept. 20, 1935 in Forest City to Charles Everett Griffin Sr. and Edith Teague Griffin.

Survivors: his wife of 58 years, Dayne Egbert Griffin; daughter, Gwynn Griffin Smithdeal and husband Trip of Advance; his grandchildren, Alex Smithdeal Sparks and husband Tyler, Lillian Sloan Smithdeal and Foss Griffin Smithdeal; sister-in-law, Mary Jane Reed; brother-in-law, Jim Egbert and wife Mary Lou; brother-in-law Tommy Egbert; and many nieces and nephews.

He graduated from Clemson University in textile management and began a career as a material handling engineer for Burlington Industries for 25 years, where he received 6 patents for innovation designs for material handling of textiles. He then joined Fluor Daniel Enterprises as project engineer on the Dupont Team. He ended his career by opening Beech Mountain Electric Co. before retiring on Beech Mountain. He and Dayne moved to Advance in 2000 to be closer to their daughter and family.  They had recently moved to Arbor Acres in Winston-Salem.

He was committed to coaching and challenging middle school math students in MathCounts Competition Series. He was proud when the team won awards at the regional and state competitions.

He loved working in his yard, hiking the Appalachian Trail, catching a wave at the beach and riding roller coasters. You could trust him for a fun game and riddles at any gathering. His excitement was noticed when his Tigers were playing football. A to-do list was always paperclipped to his folder which was never out of reach. He loved spreadsheets and organization. The couple loved to shag and square dance. He always made time for an adventure with his family and grandchildren, being his top priority. He was the number one cheerleader for his family, attending everyone’s activities and special events.  A man of few words, his words were meaningful and he was trusted.

He had many caring friends from Clemson, High Point, Greenville, S.C., Beech Mountain and Advance. He shared a deep and abiding faith in Jesus with many.  He was a current member of Cornerstone Christian Church in Mocksville.

A service celebrating his life will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 6 at Cornerstone Christian Church.

Memorials: Cornerstone Christian, 1585 Hwy 801 N, Mocksville.

At his request, his body was donated to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center for medical education.