Richard “Dick” Griffin
Richard “Dick” Griffin, beloved husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on May 20, 2025, at the age of 82. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, service, and a lifelong commitment to the well-being of others.
Dick made his entrance into this world in a quite extraordinary way. Born to Delta Peirce and Captain Otis Harold Griffin, on September 14, 1942; his mother gave birth aboard a military transport plane en route from Minnesota to Dallas, Texas. His birth certificate would read Evanston, Illinois, as that was the nearest airport at the time.
Raised in Houston and Dallas by his industrious and devoted parents, Dick graduated from Lamar High School in Houston in 1960. That same year, he earned his Eagle Scout rank, a reflection of his lifelong values of service, discipline, and integrity. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Baylor University in 1968 and later earned his MBA from Lamar University in 1973.
Dick built his career in industrial hygiene and workplace safety, a field in which he found both professional purpose and personal fulfillment. He worked at the Texaco Port Arthur refinery, where he rose to the position of Industrial Hygiene Supervisor and Safety Manager. He became both a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) and Certified Safety Professional (CSP), credentials that reflected his commitment to protecting others. His true calling, however, was teaching. From 1977 to 2019, Dick served as an adjunct instructor at Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT), where he educated and inspired generations of students to carry forward his passion for safety and care in the workplace.
In 1965, Dick married his college sweetheart, Sally Meadows. Together, they were blessed with four children: Katie, Jenny, Jim, and Richard Jr. Though their marriage ended in 1991, Dick was forever grateful for the family they built together.
In 1999, Dick married the love of his life, Joy Finch Griffin. They shared 26 wonderful years of marriage, filled with laughter, adventure, and quiet moments of companionship. They were truly soulmates, and their love for one another was a blessing to everyone who witnessed it. Whether traveling, playing cards, watching movies, or simply being together, they found joy in the everyday and created a lifetime of cherished memories at their home in Lumberton with their precious fur babies.
Dick accepted Christ as his Savior in April 1955 at East Dallas Christian Church and remained active in his faith throughout his life, serving faithfully at First Baptist Church of Port Arthur and later at First Baptist Church of Lumberton. His life was rooted in love—for his family, for the Lord, and for others.
He is survived by his loving wife, Joy Griffin; his children: Katie Trammell (husband, Rob), Jenny Goff (husband, Jeff), and Jim Griffin (wife, Tangee); his daughter-in-law, Heather Griffin, wife of his late son, Richard Griffin Jr.; his stepsons, John Santos and Brent Finch; ten grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
Dick found great happiness in supporting his children in scouting, sports, and school events, and in sharing his love for travel and the outdoors—especially the mountains of Wyoming and Colorado. He was happiest camping, canoeing, and exploring national parks like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. He also loved music, theater, movies, and telling silly jokes—often paired with a well-timed prank.
Those who knew Dick will remember his intelligence, patience, and gentle spirit. He was a man who always made time to help others, offer encouragement, or simply listen.
He will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing and loving him.
Memorial contributions in Dick’s name may be made to The Humane Society of Southeast Texas, 2050 Spindletop Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77705 or First Baptist Church Loeb, 3082 Highway 69 South, Lumberton, Texas 77657.
A gathering of Mr. Griffin’s family and friends will begin at 2:00 p.m., with his memorial service to follow at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- May 29, 2025
- 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Memorial Service
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- May 29, 2025
- 3:00 pm
WHEN HE GETS WERE HE’S GOING
I KNOW HE WILL Land BESIDE A LION AND RIDE A DROP OF RAIN .AND SMILE WE ALL LOVE SO MUCH, AND HE WILL STAND IN HIS AMAZING GRACE. UNTIL WE SEE YOU AGAIN DICK WE LOVE AND MISS YOU.
Dick Griffin was like a 2nd father to me. He took me under his wings in February 2000 when I started working for him. Hearing of his passing has definitely left a hole in my heart. He was a brilliant man who shared a lot of his knowledge with me. He was my favorite boss. The reason I say he was like a 2nd father was because he never cut me any slack. He knew my potential and kept motivating me. Everything he taught me has had a lasting impact in my life. My sincere condolences to his wife and the rest of his family. He will definitely be missed. RIP 🙏
I took a few classes from Mr Griffin in the 1980’s they were vital to my career at Mobil Oil Refinery. Funny I was just thinking of him yesterday. I learned a lot from him and he was proud of me and several others who graduated with our AAS in Occupational Safety and Health in 1988. I was fortunate to have had him as an instructor. Condolences to his family , he made a difference in my life .
Ms. Joy and family, Please accept my heartfelt condolences. You always spoke fondly of Mr. Griffin and I enjoyed the few times he subbed for you – Crystal Willis LIT c/o 2012.
I was hoping to hear from former students/graduate. Thank you for your condolences.
Life and distance kept us from being closer when we got older, but my memories of Uncle Dick are all about jokes and laughter and his piercing questions that made me think, even as a kid (and those awkward pauses afterwards that would not let me ignore his questions and told me he really cared about my answers).
Like my dad Bob (his brother), he had a quick, logical business mind, but his love for his two nephews and niece was always patient, kind, and fun-loving. I admired his success as an entrepreneur and teacher, but more than that, I admired how he was exactly what an uncle should be. My last phone conversation with him was about what we could do to help my dad’s suffering from dementia, without a single word about his own health issues.
His Greenville family sends our sympathy and love to Katie, Jenny, Jim, and Joy, and all those who loved him, along with our reassurance that he is today with Rick and Gram, and sharing a laugh with the One most patient and kind, our Lord and Savior Jesus.
Dick & I shared a passion of working jigsaw puzzles. I found that out when hurricane Harvey flooded their house and Dick, Joy and their 3 dogs lived with us for over a month. That was a bad time for them but did allow us to become great friends. So glad I spent the day with Dick on his 82 birthday! I will miss him!
I will truly miss Mr. Dick. He was a friend and family to me. I will truly be grateful to his love, encouragement, and helping me out when I needed some. He love to joke. He knew how to cheer me up. My life was better enriched with his presence. I would not made it when I moved to Lumberton without his love and encouragement. He will always be family to me. I am so blessed that the Lord placed me in his life!!!
Love,
Melissa
Dick was always so kind to me even though I was a child from another marriage. Even through my wild twenties when I know I tested his patience and trust he never gave up on me…miss you Dick but I am so blessed we shared time together
Dick really changed my direction in life and gave me a mission to help employers, employees have a safe and healthy workplace. He was not only my teacher he was a true mentor and friend. He will truly be missed.