Curtis Daniel Griffith

Curtis Daniel ‘Sonny’ Griffith, 80, of Metter, GA, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2024, at his home under the care of Ogeechee Area Hospice following an extended illness.

Sonny was born on March 8, 1944, in Jenkins County, GA, to Curtis and Lucile Griffith. He spent most of his youth in Portal, GA. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Bunnie Williford.

His is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Joyce Duckworth Griffith; two sons, Lance Griffith (Adrianne) of Millen, GA and Chris Griffith (Manav) of Smyrna, GA; two grandchildren, Noah and Emily Griffith of Millen; and a sister, Melissa Ryles (Richard) of Hazlehurst, GA.

A member of Cobbtown United Methodist Church, Sonny was an avid Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldogs fan. He dedicated many years to coaching baseball and other sports at the Metter Recreation Department, positively influencing numerous young lives in the community. Sonny took great pride in following his sons’ high school sports careers and served as the official scorekeeper for Metter High School baseball from 1992 to 1996. In recent years, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in various activities.

Sonny’s professional life began at Ernest Franklin’s accounting office. He then worked for nearly three decades at Pineland State Bank in Metter. He frequently participated in career day events in the Candler County School System, sharing his experiences as a banker with students.

Music played a significant role in Sonny’s life. In his younger years, he sang with a group formed by members of Cedar Street Baptist Church, including Nancy Slater, Joyce Waytaszic and Amanda Olliff. He continued singing until his complications from open-heart surgery in the early 2010s prevented him from doing so.

Sonny and Joyce shared a love for Hawaii, visiting the islands eight times since 1987 and exploring Oahu, the Big Island, Maui and Kauai. He was also a fan of Western movies and TV shows, with “The Searchers” starring John Wayne being his favorite film. His musical tastes included The Eagles, Linda Ronstandt and Celine Dion.

One of Sonny’s fondest memories was his 1964 trip to New York for the World’s Fair, during which he unexpectedly attended the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. There, he witnessed many future Hall of Famers in action, including Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Brooks Robinson and Roberto Clemente.

Sonny will be remembered for his dedication to family, community service and his passion for sports and music. He touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Vashti Center, Cobbtown United Methodist Church or Ogeechee Area Hospice (Statesboro).

A graveside service was held Wednesday, October 2nd at Cool Springs Baptist Church at 10 a.m.

Wood Funeral Home of Metter was in charge of the arrangements.

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