Longtime Blind Pig reader Larry Griffith passed away back in March. He had been fighting cancer for a good long while and finally lost the battle.
Larry Wayne Griffith age 75 of Ashland, Kentucky passed away Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at his residence.
Mr. Griffith was born March 14, 1948 at Grayson, Kentucky a son of the late Elder Russell and Pearl Lewis Griffith.
Larry was retired from AK Steel in Ashland after 19 years of service. He was a born again Christian and a member of Upper Bruin Baptist Church. He was a United States Army Veteran serving during the Viet Nam era obtaining the rank of E5.
In addition to his parents he is preceded in death one son; Jeremy Griffith on November 11, 2021, one brother; Darrell Gene Griffith.
He is survived by his wife; Anita Evans Griffith, a daughter in law; Rae Ann Blevins Griffith, one grandson; Wyatt Griffith, one brother and sister in law; Delmaine and Donna Griffith all of Ashland, Kentucky. One sister and brother in law; Debbie and Glen McDavid of Webbville, Kentucky along with a host of extended family, church family, and friends, who will sadly mourn his passing.
Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 3, 2023 at Upper Bruin Church with Bro. Jesse McDavid, Bro. Michael Lewis, and Bro. Delmaine Griffith officiating. Burial will follow in the Wagoner – Lewis Cemetery at Bruin.
Friends may visit after 5:00 Sunday, and after 10:00 a.m. Monday at the church.
Serving as pallbearers are; Russell Griffith, Greg Griffith, Johnny Griffith, Aaron Griffith, Chauncy Griffith, Michael Bruce Lewis, Tim Porter and George Yates.
Larry shared insightful comments almost daily from 2016 until late 2022. I knew that he was sick and after a good while of not hearing from him I reached out to see if he was okay. He said the treatments he was taking made him awful sick, and although he no longer felt like commenting he still read the blog every day.
I was so busy with helping Miss Cindy that several month’s went by before I got around to contacting Larry again. When I didn’t hear back I searched for his obituary and found it.
In the beginning Larry used the name: larry Griffith E.KY. for all of his comments. Until one day he started using AWGRIFF. I didn’t think anything about him changing the name, but one day he told me his grandson had been on his computer and he didn’t have a clue why his name was now AWGRIFF 🙂 I told him not to worry about it, either name would be just fine.
Larry was very knowledgeable about the area of Appalachia and he cared greatly for the entire region.
I searched for his comments (under both names) and found hundreds of them. Here is a few of my favorites.
- Many a time after getting older I’ve took a rifle or shotgun and went to some of those lonesome high ridges or gorges on the pretense of hunting. Not wanting anything but the solitude of nature. Enjoying looking at trees and huge rocks and coming home with no game. Game not being what I was really looking for, but finding peace. Joree is what Dad called a Baltimore Oriole so that’s what I call them too.
- While growing up we always ate after church dinner at my Mamaws. While just a boy she asked me if I wanted some of her buttermilk. I took a glass and she asked how I liked it. I said it was good. I lied I thought it was awful, but was afraid of hurting her feelings. Every Sunday I was served buttermilk. That’s how I came to love buttermilk.
- Dad told me this story on the high sheriff of Elliot co. KY. There was a man driving his old model t up the steep grade at Sandy Hook Ky. The model t was chugging up the hill and the high sheriff took out his pistol and shot the tires out. He said the man was driving too fast.
- I read the post and went and pinched my wife. She pinched me back and said she had on green. Her eyes are green. I have heard that called panch.
- We was a grubbin a hillside when I hit a yellow jacket nest with my grubbin hoe. I ran over the hill and jumped in the pond. I never got stung. A grubbing hoe has a heavier blade and stouter handle than a garden hoe.
- Years ago we piled brush and burned beds for lettuce and tobacco. I don’t see that done anymore. It works good for destroying weeds and makes the ground richer.
- That made me think about what I told my nephew, that I would dance at his wedding in a hog trough. Later he told me he almost had it built. Near scared me silly.
- He storied.
So windy he could blow up a onion sack.
Y, he’d walk a mile to tell a lie. - I’ve never heard branch water people. Dad use to say ole so and so has religion that’s weaker than branch water.
- When caught up in some half truths and not telling the whole story, Dad would tell me I was chasing the devil around the bush.
- I was so backward in high school that I would take a F on book reports instead of giving it in front of the class. The army took part of that backwardness out of me but still hated to get up in front of a group for any reason. After I was saved I was to eat after meeting dinner at papaws and I knew at some point he would ask me to turn thanks. I really dreaded it. He did ask and I gave the blessing over the food with the Lord’s help. Not so backward now speaking and testifying in church.
- I’m grateful for my good wife of 50 years, thankful for my Appalachian heritage, thankful that I will see my loved ones again on the other side, but I’m like the old song, Everbody wants to go to Heaven but nobody wants to die.
- Hiraeth. Tipper, your words are poetry to my mind. The older I get the more I think of my loved ones on the other side. There is a hiraeth in my heart and I long to see them again. For whatever reason I’ve thought of my father a lot recently and of my son who died 4 months ago. Through much suffering and prayer, the Lord has assured me we will have a great home coming.
I miss Larry and I know all of you do too. He was a true friend to the Blind Pig & The Acorn.
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Thank you for such a wonderful tribute to him. RIP Larry Wayne Griffith.
I enjoyed reading his comments, especially the story of how he came to like buttermilk, that made me laugh. This was a really nice tribute you wrote about him. May the LORD make His presence especially known to Larry’s loved ones.
Thank you for reminding of of Larry and his insightful posts, as he has passed to Glory.
Thank you for reminding of of Larry and his insightful posts, as he has passed to Glory.
I always enjoyed his comments. A true son of Appalachia. RIP Mr. Griffith.
Threw his post , Mr. Griffith was a kind soul. You could just tell by his words . Thanks for sharing.
Tipper, thank you for posting such a wonderful tribute to Larry. It was really heart touching to read. I have been praying for him and his family since I heard he had been going through such a battle with his health. I really enjoyed and looked forward to reading his comments. We’re both from eastern Kentucky so I felt close to him and could relate to a lot of his comments. My heart goes out to his wife and family and I’ll continue to remember them in prayer.
I don’t comment every day, but I’ve been reading the blog for a while now and always look forward to reading your new posts and the comments from the BP&A family. 🙂
Thank you, Tipper, for compiling and posting some of Mr. Griffith’s storehouse of wit and wisdom. It’s a fine tribute to his memory. I hope his family has access to a copy. You picked the perfect quote from him to end your post: “Hiraeth. Tipper, your words are poetry to my mind. The older I get the more I think of my loved ones on the other side. There is a hiraeth in my heart and I long to see them again. For whatever reason I’ve thought of my father a lot recently and of my son who died 4 months ago. Through much suffering and prayer, the Lord has assured me we will have a great home coming.” What comfort and joy those thoughts must have brought him during his final days on Earth.
Rest in peace in the arms of Our Lord, Larry. <3
I knew AWGRIFF wasn’t well but sure am sorry to learn of his passing. I have been missing his comments. He certainly was another one who had a way with words. Thank you for letting us know. May God be with Larry’s family and all that knew him.
Tipper, so nice of you to post about AWGRIFF. I love all of his comments that you posted above. Some were just absolutely comical. May you rest in peace Larry Wayne Griffith. You will surely be missed. I pray for the Griffith family. Praying for Granny.
Tipper thank you for caring so much about your readers to notice when a long time reader/commenter has been absent. You are a blessing to so many. Thank you for letting us know about Larry’s passing too and sharing some of his post. He had great stories to tell. My deepest sympathy to his family, friends and to you Tipper. I know you miss him sharing his love of the Appalachia Mountains with you too.
Is it an honor to be the last man standing? Are you the winner or the loser in life’s race when you are the only one left on the track? Has your competition fallen out or are they already gone home?
Thank you, Tipper, for your tribute to Mr. Griffith. Surely, as evidenced by the honor given him here, Mr. Griffith chose to have a “good name” (Proverbs 22:1 https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/Proverbs%2022:1 ).
I am sorry I did not have the opportunity to know him personally, but I am grateful to have ‘met’ him through his tender and insightful comments. Thank you.
And the only thing there that’s been made by man are the scars in hands of Jesus♫♫!
God comfort thee ✝️
My grandma taught me a lot before I went into the military, and finding this blog has been a blessing because so many people like AWGRIFF share their knowledge, experience, and community.
Yellowjackets! I’ve come across two nests while mowing and surprised myself at my speed running uphill. I’m thinking of trying out for the Olympics. Usain Bolt who?
So gracious to remember one of your blogs long time contributors and readers. AW’s family and friends are in our prayers. As are Granny and Katie, Tipper. Our very best to all the “blindpigandtheacorn” family readership……
I always enjoyed reading Larry’s comments. My impression was “he’s a fine genuine man.” Thanks for sharing the information.
Enjoying this beautiful weather but we need rain desperately.
Sending blessings your way.
Thank you for posting this, very kind of you. I undersfand why Mr. Griffith sat on the stump alone in the woods. Most of the time I sit in a deer stand and talk with God while watching deer walk by. For many years I would stay tensed up watching and listening for deer and be tired when I got out of the stand, now I relax and am spiritually rejuvenated when I leave the stand. Now I get alot more pleasure for my grandson to get a deer than getting one myself.
Tipper,
Thank you for sharing these “jewels” from Larry Wayne Griffith. It makes me think of part of a verse from 2 Corinthians 4:7 “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels…”
I’ve read many of Larry’s comments on the Blind Pig. Now I truly know what a special soul he was. So glad you posted this Tipper. I read many of the older posts & often wish I could just sit down and listen to some of the readers tellin their stories! The posts every day really make a treasure for me and recall me to precious memories of my own life. I’m still infirm with the dang ole replaced right knee, getting better, but I have to do it all over again this coming Monday October 2nd with my dang ole left knee! Osteoarthritis is a cruel companion, prayer & keepin it light & funny are best medicine! Thanks as always for your work and dedication.
Blessings,
Allison
Allison, you and some others I know have just talked me out of having my knees replaced! Truth is I have been fighting mine for over 20 years, it has now almost gotten to the place of replacing them or getting a wheel chair. My friend had one of hers replaced yesterday and will have the other one replaced later on. Hope you soon begin to get better.
Praying for Larry’s family to find comfort in knowing he is enjoying the homecoming the Lord promised him. God Bless Granny!
Thank you for sharing this with us.
Tipper, it’s so nice of you to take time to share AWGRIFFwith us. Im sure I must have read some of his comments then, but have really enjoyed reading this word today. It’s so good that you can access things like this. Think of how we leave our words behind… makes me want to be more careful with them. I can get in a hurry and say too much, or nothing at all. I specifically remember Hiraeth. The word Id long been searching for, to explain what was yearning inside of me. Such a feeling of homesickness, for me. Something calling and reaching out to me. I know Me. Griffith is with his loved ones and at peace, but I know his family sure misses him. His memory will live on.
Larry’s words show that he was a fine man. Rest in peace, brother.
What a lovely tribute Tipper by sharing some of his posts. It was an insight to Mr. Larry’s thoughts and life. What struck me the most was his grandson changing his screen name to “AWGRIEF” almost like his grandson was feeling the
Aw-Grief in his pawpaw. And Mr. Larry carrying his gun not to hunt but enjoy everything around him. I’m so sad to hear of his passing! I would had loved to read more of his comments. It goes to show me, that we don’t know what is going on in others lives and what their thoughts are as he was still commenting then continued watching & listening to “the Blind pig and a acorn.”
Makes me think & wonder about my daddy. Before he was diagnosed with dementia, we would often wonder where he was. His truck still in the driveway, he never went anywhere with out asking if we wanted to go or needed anything. So we waited….Soon after a few hours (about the time I was headed out looking for him, cause I’m the oldest child) we seen him walking out of the woods with his rifle on his shoulder and walking stick. Where have you been daddy? He just smiled and said sitting on a stump under my favorite tree talking to God. Why the gun daddy? Well you never know what you might run into. Why go so deep into the woods to talk with God when you can do that anywhere daddy? No sis, sometimes I can hear God clearer with all the beauty of untouched nature surrounding me. He continued this for many, many years. I didn’t understand his explanation until I was saved and got curious about that stump. So, I headed out to find it, not a clue where it was. I saw daddy’s path until I didn’t anymore, so I stood and prayed, looked around and about 10/15 feet in front of me was this magnificent dogwood tree and to the left was a stump that looked almost handmade right beside it. I knew that was daddy’s stump. He always wittled Birds, knifes, flowers…what ever came to his mind, around this stump was shavings from whittling. I sat down and finally understood why .
My Heart goes out to Mr. Larry and his family but I also know he’s no longer suffering and walking with Jesus in the woods.
I pray that his family knows they will be a reunion with him and all that has gone before him. That’s the only peace I know to be true after losing someone so dear to us all. It’s God’s Promise.
R.I.P. Mr. Larry Wayne Griffith
I remember that AW’s posts were ones I so enjoyed reading. He and Randy, Ken Roper and Ed Ammons are fellas I’d like to meet. There is enough common between us we could be good friends. I wonder, Tipper, if this community you have brought together might have a name for itself? We could all say we arrived over the BP&A road or the BP&A RR. There is an interesting name for a little community in east TN. It is “Friendsville”. Now that I think about it, I’ll go look it up.
Ron, you need to visit Friendsville and also Greenback community. They are beautiful farming communities.
Ron, thank you for the compliment but be warned I might be a disappointment. My life long friends say I would have to get smarter to be considered ignorant!
No danger, Randy. I recall reading about some fellas that were considered “ignorant and unlearned men” and we still read about them but don’t even know the names of those that looked down on them.
I had missed his comments as well as others over the years. Just like with our “real” family and friends, our Blind Pig family comes and goes but we only imagine why with the latter. Since a lot of us are “up in years” it’s pretty obvious when their comments disappear but sad that we don’t know details. Thanks for the post about AWGRIFF. Sounds like he was someone I would have liked to have known in person.
I remember his comments and always liked what he had to say. He was someone we would have liked to met in person!
Prayers for his family.
He certainly had great comments with a lot of wisdom in them.
A wonderful story. Thank you for publishing it
You’re so kind to do this tribute. I enjoyed reading through all of his comments. Thank you tipper!
RIP, Larry, and celebrate your reunion with loved ones.
AWGRIFF was indeed a wonderful commenter and he made a many brilliant comment too! May he rest in heaven as he finds the loved ones he’s been missing and strolls about the streets of gold by the River flowing through that city. I saw a vision once (or it was a dream,) but I think I got a glimpse of heaven. Everybody was dressed in the most beautiful and fine highest craftsmanship white linen you could imagine and they were tunics that covered your arms to the wrist and up to the neck. They reached down just above the ankles and everyone I saw looked to be in terrific physical shape and about 30 years old. You could see if they had been men or women but it just doesn’t seem like a big deal there. Also, I never saw children, everyone was smiling and discussing (about Jesus I’d assume cause they were looking and pointing at ahead.) All I know is it was a wonderful sight of thousands lined up as far as you could see and then some… That’s always comforted me since I seen that! It’s been maybe 20 or 30 years but I recall that sight in astonishing detail. All I know is dont worry about a thing if you’re saved. No eye has seen and no ear has heard what must be in that glorious city of Zion. Amen!
And the only thing there that’s been made by man are the scars in hands of Jesus♫♫!
Tipper, thank you so much for sharing this sweet man’s comments. Always such a treat to read all your stories and watch your videos. I’m hoping to go to the Folk Festival weekend after next, there in Brasstown. Prayers for Granny.
He sounds like a lovely hardworking man. As I was reading his stories, Spider Web Canyon was running through my mind. Sent up a prayer for his family. I’m not from Appalachia (rural Indiana), but I have always loved your mountains and I think your people are the most down to earth folks on the planet. Thankful that I found BP&TA, Celebrating Appalachia and the Pressley Girls.
I have not been a subscriber for very long, but once I found this blog, it soon became important to me. Each day I look forward to learning something new and reading everyone’s comments and opinions. Even though we haven’t met in person, we get a little peek into each other’s life. Sometimes folks share opinions and sometimes they share little things about themselves that lets us get to know each other. It is very touching to know that you notice when someone stops commenting for a while and wonder about them. I hope everyone has a blessed day and I am saying a prayer for Larry’s family this morning.
Tipper, I found this so very touching that you would go to such lengths for your reader. The words are a great testament to you both. I’m sure he is greatly missed by his family! Suffer no more and rest in Jesus. Thank you for sharing!
I miss AWGRIFF’s comments, right now there is another member I am concerned about, it has been a month or longer since I have read any comments from him. Like Larry, we went almost every Sunday after the morning church service to eat with my grandparents at Due West, SC. Both me and my wife were very shy or backwards, I am a Christian but am afraid and have a hard time praying in public. When I was able to hunt, I didn’t really hunt for the game, I enjoyed watching my dogs (bird dogs) and I don’t think I came back without feeling a little more relaxed. I also enjoyed rabbit hunting and hearing a pack of beagles running a rabbit. There was no deer in my area until late in my hunting life, I tried deer hunting a few times but never enjoyed sitting and waiting on them, even though it was a perfect time to sit, think and enjoy being outside and enjoy nature. Unlike Larry, I never learned to like buttermilk. Before my Daddy died, I enjoyed going squirrel hunting with him, that is the only hunting he would do and he only hunted with a single shot Winchester 22 cal. rifle that he bought new in 1946 from a hardware store at Ware Shoals, SC for $6.50. Think of working in a cotton mill at that time for probably less than a dollar an hour. By the way, digging up or getting into a nest of yellow jackets is a sure fire cure for making you forget about arthritis for a short period of time!
Randy,
Is it Ed Ammons? I’m not positive about this but I think he may also post as Papaw on Celebrating Appalachia. If he is the same person he posted a comment on last night’s you tube. Maybe Tipper can verify if they are one and the same.
It was Ed and I think you are correct, I think he does post as Papaw. I was concerned about not seeing any comments by Ed, because I think I remember him saying he was having some medical tests awhile back and was worried something might be wrong. I might be wrong about this. Like others have said, the BPA members seem like family to me.