William “Don” Griffin

William Donald “Don” Griffin, Jr., 94, died Saturday, April 20, 2024. He was the son of William
Donald Griffin, Sr. and Floye Lawson Griffin of Fort Gaines, Georgia. He was preceded in death
by his parents and his sisters Mildred “Virginia” Griffin Graham and Doris Gay, and his nephew
Lawson McKenzie “Mac” Graham.
Don was a graduate of Fort Gaines High School in the class of 1946. After receiving an
Associates Degree from Middle Georgia College in Cochran, Georgia, he enlisted in the Army
National Guard of Georgia in 1950 and was a member of the Army Reserve. Don was a long-
time resident of Hawkinsville, Georgia where he was active in St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, was
involved with the Lion’s Club, and was a charter member of the Chamber of Commerce. He
then spent his career working in banking including as a teller, cashier, Vice President, Director
and Chief Executive Officer of the Pulaski Banking Company, and as Branch Manager at
several locations of the Georgia Bank & Trust Company in Macon, Georgia.
He married the love of his life, Lisa Birkhofer Griffin, on July 23, 1983. They lived in Forsyth,
Georgia where Don served as President of Bank South. Throughout the 1990s, Don served his
community in many ways, including as Chairman of Monroe County Chamber of Commerce and
President of the Kiwanis Club. He loved to attend UGA football games, was a gourmet cook,
and enjoyed hunting, even traveling to Wyoming to hunt elk. He enjoyed dancing with his wife
Lisa, and a prized possession was a trophy they won for first place in a Shag contest shortly
after moving to Forsyth.
He is survived by his beloved wife Lisa Griffin of Forsyth, daughter Danita Griffin Sayer of Kirby,
Wyoming, his niece Patricia “Patsy” Graham Leonard of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, and his
nephew’s wife, Madge Graham of Gainesville, Georgia.
Those wishing to make donations may consider donating to the Episcopal Church or to the
Monroe County Kiwanis Club.
A graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Macon on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at
2:00PM.
Monroe County Memorial Chapel 86 West Main Street Forsyth has charge of the arrangements.

Please visit www.monroecountymemorialchapel.com to express your condolences.