WILMINGTON — Ronald “Ron” Klein Griffin, aged 90, passed away on January 7, 2025. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend who will be dearly missed.
Ronald was born on June 17, 1934 in Kannapolis, NC. In 1952, he graduated from East Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte. At East Mecklenburg, he played Varsity Basketball, Baseball, and Football and also met Jo Haynes. He attended Erskine College where he had a Basketball and Baseball scholarship, but decided the work world was where he preferred to be and where he could begin life with Jo Haynes.
He joined Celanese Corporation in Charlotte in 1953 where he progressed in sales and marketing, eventually becoming Corporate Manager of Men’s Wear in New York City. Ronald’s career with Celanese took him and his family to Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, and finally New York. While based in Dallas, he served as President of SEAT’M, the South Eastern Apparel and Textile Manufacturers association. In 1978, Ron set up his own textile marketing business covering the South East and moved to Greenville, SC and then later to Pawleys Island, SC. Ron loved his career and developed lasting friendships with colleagues and clients.
Ron was an active member of the churches he attended across the country. He was a Session member and a Stephen Minister at Pawleys Island Presbyterian Church, an Elder at Norfield Congregational Church in Weston, CT, as well as heading youth groups, working with community outreach programs, and taking a mission trip to Cuba. Ron was active in the community in Pawleys Island where he and Jo lived for 35 years and where they enjoyed many great friendships. He helped at Bread of Life soup kitchen, delivered food to Tara Hall Boys’ Home, and was a member of Kiwanis Club.
Ron was an avid (and competitive) athlete throughout his life. He golfed at courses across the country and had a best handicap of 10. He and a group of friends enjoyed annual golf outings for many years. At age 47, he ran in and completed the Atlanta Marathon. He regularly played tennis and would happily join pick-up basketball games. Ron helped coach school baseball teams.
He travelled extensively for work in the US but still had energy to load four children into a station wagon to experience camping trips in national parks and even a 1969 driving trip from Dallas to Acapulco. In later years, he and Jo traveled throughout the world and some of his favorite trips were the Copper Canyon in Mexico, Patagonia, South Africa, and his granddaughter’s wedding in Bend, Oregon.
Ron is survived by his wife and life partner, Jo Haynes Griffin, his children Ronald Griffin (Jane), Kathryn Griffin (Alejandro), Scott Griffin, his son-in-law David Mullen, his sister-in-law Donnie Haynes, his grandchildren Ashleigh Ludwig (Kirk), Austin Griffin, Gabriella Catania, Hannah Catania, Francesca Catania, Justin Mullen, and Abby Mullen and his great grandchildren Aspen Ludwig and Autumn Ludwig. His nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews were also a vital part of his life and he enjoyed their frequent visits. Ron is predeceased by his beloved daughter Patti Mullen.
A Celebration of Ron’s life will be held at 1pm on March 8, 2025 at Pawleys Island Presbyterian Church
In lieu of flowers, any donations to Bread of Life will benefit the Pawleys Island community.