Coach Calvin Otis Griffin Sr.

July 27, 1952 - December 1, 2015

Coach Calvin Otis Griffin, Sr. was born July 27, 1952 in Mobile, Alabama to John and Mildred Griffin. He departed this life to be with Christ on Tuesday, December 1, 2015. Calvin confessed Christ at an early age and joined Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Mobile, Alabama. He later united with Goshen First Baptist Church, Goshen, Alabama, and Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in the Orion Community where he remained active until his death. Calvin attended Hillsdale High School and graduated in 1970 from John S. Shaw High School, Mobile, Alabama. He furthered his education by attending S. D Bishop State Junior College, Mobile, Alabama, and Alabama State University, Montgomery, Alabama. In 1975 at Alabama State he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology/Physical Education and in 1988 he received his Master’s Degree in Physical Education. Calvin positively impacted the lives of numerous individuals as a teacher and coach. From 1975 to 1988 he served as both teacher and coach at Goshen High School. In 1988 he transitioned to Charles Henderson High School (CHHS) in Troy, Alabama and remained there until 2002 when he retired. While at CHHS he taught science and physical education. Calvin was the Head Varsity Basketball Coach and he was named Coach of the Year several times. He also served as Assistant Varsity Football Coach. Calvin retired from the Troy City School System in 2002, but continued to touch and influence the lives of individuals through his spiritual testimonies regarding physical challenges he had overcome with the help of God. He was a member of Beta Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and Co-Founder of the Xi Beta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. at Troy University. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman, known to share his various and colorful stories with others. Calvin was joined in holy matrimony to Mary J. Griffin on December 27, 1980, and to this union, Jenifer Nicole and Calvin Otis Griffin II was born. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Jeffery Bernard Griffin. Calvin leaves to cherish his memories, a loving and devoted wife, Mary J. Griffin; five children, Jenifer Griffin and Calvin Otis Griffin II, Pensacola, FL; Terrance (Tasha) Wingfield, Chapin, SC; Adrienne Gibby, Lake Spivey, GA; and Corey (Kamelia) Green, Jackson, MS; grandchildren, Terrance Jr., Kaleigh, and Kelvin Wingfield, Chania Green, and Noah Dewayne Griffin, four Godchildren, Sheonte Barginere, McKinzie White, Jonathan Deveridge, and Jenean Deveridge (A. J.) Spencer; two brothers, Jon (Genise) Griffin and Brent (Natalie) Griffin, Mobile, AL; three sisters, Gail (Michael) Sims, Tuskegee, AL; Cynthia (Millard) Mitchell, Atlanta GA; and Jacqueline Porter, Mobile, AL; two aunts, Shirley West and Linda Hill, Mobile, AL; sisters-in-law, Seretha (Willie) Manuel, Midway, AL; and Katherine McClendon, Clio, AL; brothers-in law, J. D. (Mamie) Johnson, Montgomery, AL; Rev. Henry R. Johnson, Frederick (Mary Ann) Johnson, and Darrell Johnson, all of Louisville, AL; devoted friends, Lavon Baker, Ronnie Franklin, Ray Charles Simmons, Joey (Tina) Richards, all of Troy, AL; and Calvin Broadnex, Mobile, AL; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends that are too numerous to name.