Michael Eugene Griffin

Michael Eugene Griffin

January 9, 1954 – October 3, 2025

Michael Eugene Griffin was unexpectedly born in Pennsylvania while his mother and father were traveling. However, if you asked him, he would tell you he was from the Bronx where he spent the majority of his childhood.

At the very core of his being, Michael was a born entertainer. His mother, Shirley, shares a story of how Michael, at the age of 3, would wow his family with song and dance. As Michael stood “backstage” out of their line of sight, he would shout to his father, “’duce me Daddy, ‘duce me”. In a loud voice, his father, Bob, would announce, “Live from Las Vegas, Nevada, the one and only Michael Eugene Griffin”. Michael then took “center stage” and performed for his parents Elvis Pressley’s “Blue Suede Shoes” along with his very own choreography.

His family moved frequently among the northeastern states due to his father’s work. While he was always friendly and outgoing, it was difficult for him to establish and maintain long-term friendships. Due to this, his family became very closeknit and relied upon each other. Later on in his adult life, he would enjoy countless friendships that he had made along the way.

His sister, Julie, shares a story from their teenage years. During his senior year at White Plains High School in White Plains, New York, he and Julie gave in to a teenager’s temptation. A family friend had left a shiny sports car sitting in their drive, keys inside the home, while their parents and the friend went away for the evening. Julie was easily able to convince Michael to take her on a joyride, and Michael would do anything for his sister. When their parents returned late that night, Michael couldn’t contain his guilt. Without any prompting from his parents, he blurted out what they had done. Michael’s integrity and character were fully in place, even so young.

During his time in the National Guard Army, he proudly served in the role of Military Police. His patriotism to his country lived on throughout his entire lifetime. He spoke to every veteran that came his way, thanking them for their service, while proudly wearing his own Army Veteran ballcap and jacket. He could not pass the American flag without saluting. His wife, Susan, tells of the many times they drove Interstate 40 in Greensboro. A business near Colfax flies a very large American flag that is clearly seen from the highway. No matter what, he proudly saluted the flag every time they passed.

When his niece, Jessica, was faced with difficulty in passing a timed running challenge at school, Uncle stepped in. For two weeks he trained her; squats, lunges, whatever it took to help her make the mark. On the day she was to be timed, who showed up? Uncle. He took off from work to be there to support her. Not only did he encourage her with his unexpected appearance, but he also ran beside her the whole way to give her the extra boost that she needed. Yes, she made it! Michael made sure of it. He was like a father to her and wanted to ensure she succeeded in all of life’s challenges. That was his way, especially for those he loved.

Michael shared many wonderful stories of his times as he performed with the group, Razz-Ma-Tazz. With this group, they performed in several countries and on cruise ships. One of his favorite memories was doing a Scottish dance while wearing a kilt. He performed in many other professional roles including the Barn Dinner Theatre in Greensboro and the National Anthem at the Greensboro Grasshopper’s baseball games. Singing at churches and weddings, particularly with his dad, was a lasting memory. “People Need the Lord” was a duet he and his father sang quite well, and it ended with them hugging every time. It left a lasting impression on Michael’s life.

In January of 2016, Michael met his soulmate, Susan. Every Friday night, while out singing in Greensboro with mutual friends, one thing became apparent: Michael and Susan were meant to be. They had so much in common that they would overcome any differences that may arise. Michael showed the same support and encouragement to Susan as he had to his niece many years before. He was always giving her pointers and suggesting songs that he thought would be right for her. He encouraged her to reach outside of her comfort zone when it came to singing. His belief in her and his never-ending support allowed her to step up to the challenge. He asked her to learn the song “Feels Like Heaven”. This was not a style that Susan was comfortable with, but after a couple of months of practicing and coaching from Michael, they performed it. People jumped up and started dancing, waving hands and flickering lights in the air….it was incredible! After that she always referred to Michael as “My Music Man!”.

After three years of singing, dancing, binge watching shows, countless trips to the mountains, cooking meals, and worshipping God together, Michael decided to pop the question. At a very nice restaurant with their two friends, Debbie and Jeff, Susan turned around at the table to find Michael on one knee holding a ring. He asked her to marry him, and she said “Yes! Now get up!!” He was the extrovert - she wasn’t. Being in the middle of the restaurant overwhelmed her a little. But Michael jumped up and while pumping his arms in the air he exclaimed,” She said Yes!” Everyone started applauding. He always knew how to engage a crowd and light up the room with his warm personality and smile. Michael was bigger than life.

Susan affectionately named his mother “Mama G” which has been passed down to all of her family members. She embraced Michael’s new love and all that it encompassed.

Michael and Susan’s love was so natural. It was an endless love that crossed many boundaries with lots of communication, respect, and with Jesus at the forefront. There were so many honest discussions. It was a match that was made in Heaven.

Marrying Susan meant embracing her family- adult children and grandkids! Lauren, Kendal, Eric, and Logan wrapped their arms around him as their new stepdad. He did a wonderful job of doing so as well! Recently during one of his hospital stays, Susan referred to one of the children as “my daughter”. He instantly objected and said, “our daughter”.

The grandkids loved their “Papi”. So many memories and so much love shared between him and those precious children. He taught them to dance by standing on his feet by dragging them around, playing games, and hugs and kisses galore. At the age of 65, Michael had a complete family of his own…something he had always wanted but never expected. His new family even included brothers and their wives along with their families whom he treasured.

The wedding was beautiful, and they bought a home in Winston-Salem their first year together. They were ready to spend their retirement years singing and traveling. Sadly, Michael was diagnosed with head and neck cancer shortly after that. The couple would spend over four years fighting this dreaded disease.

Michael fought valiantly, never giving up. He loved his family deeply and treasured every day by finding joy in the simplest of things. He would give a stranger the shirt off his back and share his beautiful smile with everyone with whom he came in contact during all the many hospital visits. There was a “thank you” for everyone, from the valet who parked the car, to the nurses and doctor - even when they administered shots and gave chemo injections, and to the staff who cleaned his hospital room during his many stays. During his battle, he and Susan made many close friendships that have endured these hard years, with his dozens of doctors, nurses, and therapists, and all those who attended to his needs. He and Susan’s sincere appreciation was always felt and their faith in God shared.

On October 3, 2025, at the age of 71, Michael overcame his battle with cancer and received a perfect body from his Lord. He now sings and dances for his Savior, Jesus Christ. We can see him smiling, laughing, and talking to all of his family and friends who have gone on before him. Knowing him, he’s talking to strangers and making new friends!

In those last four years, circumstances forced changes in Michael’s life. He told Susan many times that he was a “new man” and not the same as before. He rededicated his life to Jesus and never looked back.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Robert T. Griffin, Jr. of Greensboro, North Carolina.

He is survived by his loving wife of six years, Susan Keener Griffin of Winston-Salem, who adored him; Mother, Shirley Griffin of Greensboro, who raised a true gentleman; Stepchildren who he regarded as his own: Lauren Holbrook of Winston-Salem, Kendal (Eric) Nixon of Winston-Salem, and Logan Garner of Kernersville; Bonus grandchildren, Bella Grace Holbrook, Parker Holbrook, Cora Nixon, Olivia Nixon, Nolan Nixon, and Emberleigh Garner who loved their “Papi” dearly; Brother, Norvel McDonald of Las Vegas, Nevada who admired his talent; Sister, Julie Griffin of Greensboro who called him her “sidekick”; Nieces, Jessica Griffin of Greensboro who loved “Uncle”, Nia McDonald and Kristen McDonald, both of Atlanta, Georgia who treasured his smile.

Michael had countless friends: DJs, cashiers, co-workers, fellow entertainers, nurses, doctors, Susan’s childhood friends from Newton, cousins and more, who thought the world of him. He cherished each and every one.

We will miss you, my Love. No one can take your place. Just save me a seat in the choir!

Always yours,

Susan

Thank you from all of us for sharing in Michael’s extraordinary life. We shall see him again!

A graveside service will be held at 3:00 PM, Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Scenic Memorial Gardens in Wilkesboro. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 11-1, at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel.

Flowers may be sent to Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

St. Jude had a special place in his heart. Michael often told his wife that it was hard enough to be an adult with cancer and that he couldn’t imagine what it was like for a child.