Born in Georgia, he attended Emory University in Atlanta, earning a bachelor&squo;s degree. He also received a degree from the Candler School of Theology, and a master&squo;s degree from the graduate school. One year he studied at Union Theological School in New York.

He entered the South Georgia Conference of the Methodist Church and served two pastorates there before taking a position to teach at Emory-at-Oxford in Covington, Ga. Then he moved to Spartanburg and took the position of professor of religion and director of religious life at Wofford College. He returned to New York for further graduate study and subsequently joined the New York Conference of the Methodist Church. He served several appointments in N.Y. and Connecticut, retiring in 1988.

Mr. Griffin&squo;s retirement ministry was dedicated to Habitat for Humanity. He organized an affiliate in Otsego County, N.Y., and helped to organize affiliates in three neighboring counties. He worked actively on building houses.

His health began to fail when he moved to Tryon. He was not able to continue building, but he did serve on the board of the Thermal Belt Habitat for Humanity.

Mr. Griffin is survived by his wife, Ella Y. Goudelock Griffin; two sons, James and Steve; three grandchildren and three step-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son. Reese Jr.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, July 26 at 11 a.m. at Tryon United Methodist Church. Rev. J. O&squo;Neil Haynes will officiate.

Memorial gifts may be made to Tryon United Methodist Church Building Fund or to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in Columbus.

Interment will be at a later date.

‐ paid obituary