In Memory of Ivey Lawrence Griffin Jr.

Ivey was past president of the NC Masonry Contractors Association and a regional vice president of the Mason Contractors Association of America for a number of years.  He was involved in many organizations including the Morganton Moose Lodge, Morganton Elks Lodge, and the American Legion Post in Valdese.

For many years, every Wednesday he and some of his buddies played golf at Mimosa Hills Golf and Country Club.  Ivey was an avid hunter and fisherman, making many trips to the western United States big game hunting, and fishing while visiting their home in Carolina Beach, NC.  Ivey and his wife Carolyn loved to travel whether it was in their motor home across the United States, ocean cruises, or international travel throughout the world.  Until his health begins to fail a highlight of the year was wintering in Naples, Florida where he and his wife Carolyn made lifelong friends.

Ivey had a very outgoing personality, never meeting a stranger, and would always have a good joke.  He will always be remembered for his smiling face and laughter.  He was a strong Democrat and believed in helping others.  He was known for entertaining local, state, and national politicians at his log cabin on the Linville River.  It was very memorable when a bald eagle flew up the river while hosting a Democratic Party fundraiser.

For many years Ivey was a volunteer with the Lovelady Fire Department.  He served on numerous boards in Burke County and was also elected as a County Commissioner in the 1960's.  He was actively involved in the Masonic Lodge in Morganton and then later in life, the Lovelady Lodge.  He was a member of the East Burke Shriners Club and the Loyal Order of the Jesters of Charlotte.  Ivey was a member of Abernethy United Methodist Memorial Church in Rutherford College, NC.

Ivey is survived by his wife of 72 years Carolyn Ramsey Griffin, and his children, Dr. Teresa Griffin of Cleveland, OH and Dandridge, TN;  G. Alan Griffin and wife Lu of Valdese, NC; and Lisa Ivy Griffin of Nebo, NC and his grandchildren Sarah Margaret Griffin of Winston Salem, NC and Ivey Lawrence Griffin, II of Raleigh, NC; sister Peggy Carol Griffin of Rutherford College, NC and sister in law Joyce Ramsey Mahaffee of Valdese, NC and many cousins, nieces and nephews.