Leonard Osborne Griffin, Senior

Obituary For Leonard Osborne Griffin, Senior

Mr. Leonard Osborne Griffin, Sr. passed away on Thursday, November 23, 2023.

A service to honor his life will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 1 pm; Shalom Community Christian Church, 2227 Pinecroft Road, Greensboro, NC 27407. Visitation is 12:30 pm.

Burial will be at Guilford Memorial Park, 6000 Gate City Blvd. Greensboro, NC

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to the A&T Marching Band for the Rose Bowl Parade in memory of Leonard Osborne Griffin, Sr. on the online giving website North Carolina A & T State University · GiveCampus.

Leonard Osborne Griffin, Sr. answered his heavenly Father’s call on Thursday, November 23, 2023 at his home in Greensboro, NC. Leonard was born on June 24, 1939 in Reidsville, NC to the late C.C. Griffin and Mable Clay Griffin.

Leonard, and his identical twin sisters at an early age, received the Gift of Baptism, officiated by their father, with their mother present to participate. He grew up knowing God, loving Jesus, and living by the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Leonard continued his family legacy by attending North Caroline A&T State University. As a 2nd generation NC A&T Aggie, he unknowingly paved the way for his 3 sons to becoming 3rd generation Aggies. While a student at NC A&T, Leonard brought his musical talents as a trumpet player and became a proud member of the marching band. Better known today as the Blue & Gold Marching Machine (BGMM). He passed his love for musicianship and marching band to his sons. Leonard was a member of the first NC A&T Alumni Marching Band.

Leonard enlisted in the US Army on July 13, 1963, and received an honorable discharge on October 31, 1968. During his service, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and earned the designation of Expert in Rifle (M-14). Leonard received multiple honors and awards in recognition of his exceptional, dedicated, and loyal service to NC A&T. On January 19, 1995, he was presented with the Certificate of Retirement in appreciation of his 33 years of dedicated service in the Physical Plant Department at NC A&T, where he served as the Locksmith Supervisor. Not long after his retirement, Leonard started his own locksmith business, Griff’s Lock and Key, with the love and support of his dear wife, Ida Griffin. With his great work ethic from NC A&T, he was able to retain A&T as a client and grow his client base in the Greensboro community.

Leonard was a devoted member of Shalom Community Christian Church where he sang in the Men’s Choir and was a member of the Worship Leaders.

Leonard leaves his loving family to cherish his beautiful memories: his sister, Marilyn Yvonne Griffin of Greensboro, NC; sons, Leonard Griffin, Jr. of Springfield, VA, Geoffrey Griffin (Vanita) of Greensboro, NC, and Kevin Griffin (Sabrina) of Savannah, GA; stepchildren, Raymond (Angela) Crawford, Sr., and Dionne (Eric) Cole both of Greensboro, NC; grandchildren, Guy Griffin, Shawn Griffin, Nia Griffin, Morgan Griffin, Noah Griffin, Brittney Smith, Paris “Shareyl” Smith, Raymond Crawford, Jr., Erica Cole-Robertson, and Andrea Cole; and a host of cousins that fondly call Leonard “Bruh”, other relatives and friends.