Sam Griffin, beloved husband of Darlene V. Griffin (Grable) transitioned from this earthly realm after a brief illness on February 6, 2026, in Fayetteville, NC at 80 years of age.
Sam was born on December 27, 1945, to the late Esther (Smith) and Samuel John Griffin Sr., in Buffalo, NY. He was raised in Gainsville, GA and attended E.E. Butler High School, where he excelled in various sports, but ultimately fell in love with the game of golf.
After relocating to Bridgeport, CT, in 1968, Sam became a contributing member of the community, most notably as a basketball coach of summer leagues for Pequonnock Apts, a basketball official at the Cardinal Shehan Center, an owner of MagCo Golf, and a security guard and golf instructor for the Bridgeport Public School System. He was also the first Black club champion at Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course in 1986. After retiring from employment with Mill River Country Club and Great River Country Club, he relocated to North Carolina and continued his passion for golf by joining the Kings Grant community, which remained his home for the last 10 years.
Surviving family, in addition to his wife of 48 years, include his children Jeri of Los Angeles, CA, Tara of Bridgeport, CT, Shayla & Zina of Marietta, GA; his grandchildren Tajai of Shelton, CT, Hanna of Los Angeles, CA and Phoenix of Stamford, CT; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Fernando and Eva Henderson of Fayetteville, NC and a host of cousins in Connecticut, South Carolina and Georgia.
Honoring Sam’s wishes, a memorial will be held and livestreamed on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 2:00–6:00 PM at King’s Grant Golf & Country Club, 347 Shawcroft Rd., Fayetteville, NC 28311.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the youth of Bridgeport, CT, at the Cardinal Shehan Center in honor of Sam.
https://www.shehancenter.org/support/donations