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United States Army Honor Guard
Fort Gordon Sergeant Majors Association 24th Infantry Regimental Combat Team Association, Inc.
Ushers
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The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths o f righteousnessfor his names sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley o f the shadow o f death,
I willfear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence o f mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surelygoodness and mercy shallfollow me all the days o f my life: and I will dwell in the house o f the LORDfor ever.

The family sincerely appreciates the many kind and thoughtful acts of sympathy shown during this time of loss. You have shared with us in many ways that helped ease our burdens. Your presence with us today during the final rites for one we loved and cared for so dearly will not go unnoticed. Our hearts are gladdened because of caring family and friends like you. Many blessings and much love.

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2945 Old Tobacco Road - Hephzibah, Georgia

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A C E L E B R A T I O N OF LI FE FOR
SGM (RET.) ALBERT GRIFFIN, JR.

Sunrise April 2 ,1 9 3 3

Sunset January 14, 2015

Wednesday, January 21, 2015 1:00 RM.
FAIRVIEW MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 3105 Milledgeville Road Augusta, Georgia
Reverend Chuck Smallwood - Officiating -

Early on Wednesday morning, January 14, 2015, the Lord was doing His usual review of his troops and decided that he needed a strong soldier...a soldier of discipline, a soldier with proven ability to execute the plan. And on that morning, he called home, COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR (RETIRED) ALBERT GRIFFIN, JR.
Born April 2, 1933, in Warren, Arkansas, to parents, Reverend Albert Griffin, Sr. and Reverend Viola Hampton Griffin. Albert Jr. was the third of five sons - General, Leroy, George and David. At the age of nine, Reverend Albert Griffin, Sr. moved his family to Portland, Oregon, where he worked in the shipyard to provide for his family. In June 1948, Albert Jr. enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 15 and was stationed at Camp Eagle, Japan. Soon, he would head into the battlefields as a rifleman serving in the Korean Conflict as part of the 24th Infantry which would become the last regiment of the "Buffalo Soldiers." In 1950, he was shot down and wounded in Korea. For his service, he would earn the Army's distinguished Bronze Star Medal V for valor. He served in the Vietnam War, and was also awarded a Purple Heart medal. Though physically wounded, his spirit and passion for the Army were stronger than ever. So much so, he enlisted again and continued to serve for 27 years. Following his injury, Griffin was transferred to Fort Benning, Georgia. Throughout his service, Griffin was honored with more military ribbons and accolades for his bravery and dedication to service.
After serving at various military installations, CSGM Griffin retired from duty in 1975 and made his home in Augusta, Georgia where he began a second career as a manager with Southern Bell. Instead of leading troops, he would lead dozens of people who helped provide important communications tools that paved the way for ground-breaking technology in the local market.

Although he transitioned into a new existence, his military service was not forgotten. Griffins historic tenure in the Army is documented in "Black Soldier, White Army: The 24th Infantry in Korea", published by the United States Army, Center of Military History.
He is also featured in the documentary "Invisible Men of Honor: The Legend of the Buffalo Soldiers", which aired nationally in 2005 with funding from Walmart. Griffin worked tirelessly to keep the "Buffalo Soldiers" history alive while serving as the President of the 24th Infantry Regimental Combat Team Association for four years.
A lifelong learner, Griffin could often be found studying theology and working diligently for the Lord as a Deacon. In 1991, he founded Fairview Missionary Baptist Church. Aside from serving his country, Griffin took great pride in taking care of his family and pushing each of his daughters to propel to the highest level of education in their fields of study.
He is survived by: his wife, Lula Mae Griffin; daughters, Dr. Debra Griffin Stevens (Michael), Atlanta, GA, Anna Marie Griffin, Augusta, GA, Dr. Dawn Beatrice Griffin, Atlanta, GA and Deaiddra "Dee" Griffin, Augusta, GA; two stepchildren, Sharon Wallace and Willie Wallace, Jr., Augusta, GA; four grandchildren and three great grandchildren; step-children, Sharon Wallace, Willie Wallace Jr. and Mustafa Wallace, all of Augusta, GA; and a host of fa*~J1"

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Reverend G. T. McCord, Presiding Pastor Chuck Smallwood, Officiating
PROCESSIONAL
SELECTION Fairview Missionary Baptist Church Choir
SCRIPTURE
PRAYER
SELECTION Fairview Missionary Baptist Church Choir
REFLECTIONS (Three Minutes) Deacon Johnnie Baker Deacon Wolney Jackson Deacon Leroy Thompson Sgt. Major Samuel Jenkins
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Sister Thelma White
SELECTION Fairview Missionary Baptist Church Choir
WORDS OF COMFORT Pastor Chuck Smallwood
RECESSIONAL
INTERMENT Thursday, January 22, 2015 - 10:00 A.M.
Fort Jackson National Cemetery 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC 29229
Columbia, South Carolina
. . . REPAST . . . Fairview Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall