Lee Roy Griffin Jr.

Lee Roy Griffin, Jr. died Saturday, June 24, 2023, at the Elizabeth Hospice House, surrounded by his loving family.

A native of Buncombe County, Lee Roy was the youngest son of the late Lee Roy Griffin, Sr., and Martha Cole Griffin. Born in a log cabin in Jump Cove in the Reems Creek Valley on December 17, 1941, he grew up profoundly loving the Blue Ridge Mountains for its natural beauty and wonderful people. He was married to his devoted wife, Dianne Carter Griffin, for 54 years. Dianne worked tirelessly over the past three years to provide excellent care during a protracted illness and recovery. He also is survived by his son Michael Cole Griffin, his wife, Maria Rosa, and his daughter Michelle and her wife, Jen. He deeply loved his grandchildren Queila, Collin, and Carter. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, whom he had a deep affection for: his brothers James “JV” Griffin, Dwain “Griff” Griffin, and Donald Griffin; and his sisters Norma Lance, Ruby Phillips, and Carolyn Justice. And also his best friend, Thomas Bryan.

Lee Roy graduated from Lee Edwards High School in Asheville and completed two years of college at UNC-A. He graduated from the North Carolina Military Academy in 1967 and served in the North Carolina National Guard for six years.

Lee Roy successfully owned and grew several independent insurance agencies, consolidating them into the Griffin Agency in Mars Hill, NC. He passionately served his customers and spent many years making personal and business visits driving the country roads in Madison County. He also worked as a licensed Real Estate Agent, buying, selling, and building homes in the area.

He had a lifelong passion for politics and ran for the North Carolina State House in 1970. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, boating, and photography throughout Western North Carolina. He enjoyed NCAA basketball, raising bloodhound canines, traveling in his RV, reading spy novels, collecting antique books, and playing golf.

A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at Bethel Cemetery, adjacent to Bethel United Methodist Church at 1056 Riceville Rd, Asheville, NC. Pastor Allen Rash will officiate.

Memorials in honor of Lee Roy’s life can be made to Four Seasons Elizabeth House in Flat Rock, NC.

Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.