Gerald Mitchell Griffin

Gerald Mitchell Griffin, 90, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, peacefully passed into the arms of his loving heavenly father surrounded by loved ones on Monday, March 14, 2022. Friends and family will gather to celebrate his life at Lizella Baptist Church, this Sunday, March 20, 2022.  The church will provide lunch at 12:30 p.m., visitation at 2 p.m., service at 3 p.m., and graveside service at 4 p.m., at Macon Memorial Park. The family respectfully asks that mask be worn and will provide them at the door.  The service will be livestreamed on Hart’s Mortuary’s Facebook page for those unable to attend.

Gerald, alias "The Candy Man," "Jesse James," and "President of the Panama Canal," was born in Mars Hill, North Carolina, on August 25, 1931. He was both parents' namesake, born to Mitchel and Geraldyne Griffin.

As a young man, Gerald served in the Korean war. Later, he served as a church deacon for many years, driving busses for church trips and volunteering with community organizations. Most recently, Gerald loved attending Lizella Baptist Church and reading his Bible cover to cover each year.

He loved to travel in the RV with his wife Joy, and they visited 49 out of 50 U.S. states. Gerald was a master gardener and planted extensive vegetable gardens until age 89. He also loved feeding birds, hummingbirds, deer in his yard, visiting family and friends, growing sunflowers and roses, riding on his golf cart, watching old westerns, listening to bluegrass, and eating Oreo blizzards.

Gerald spent 40 years in the trucking business, owning a trucking company for the last 14 of those years. After retirement, he drove a bus with C&H Tour Lines for another 12 years. He loved eighteen-wheelers, and if they have them in heaven, he is driving one.

Gerald is preceded in death by his first wife of 30 years, Elva Johnson Griffin, and second wife of 30 years, Joy Battle Griffin; son, Johnny Battle; parents; and eight brothers and sisters. Gerald is survived by his daughters, Katherine Griffin of Richmond Hill, Pamela and husband Rob Nicholson of Atlanta, and Barbara and her husband Morgan Mohr of Houston, TX; grandchildren: Scott and wife Christy Chapman, Terri Tyson, Koban Battle, Lizzy Keene, Doug Danat, Crystal Lee and husband Phil Villavicencio, Daniel Nicholson; and nine great-grandchildren. In addition, Gerald is survived by his sisters-in-law, Caroleen Merrill and Amelia Waters, along with many nieces and nephews.

If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place that no one could ever fill. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn't go alone. For part of us went with you, the day God took you home." Author Unknown

The family would like to extend a special word of appreciation to Atrium Health Navicent Hospice Pine Pointe.

In Gerald's memory, memorial contributions may be made to Lizella Baptist Church at 2950 South Lizella Road, Lizella, GA 31052, website: http://www.lizellabaptist.net/ .

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements.