Tributes

It is with deep sorrow that Mrs. Marlene Gainey Griggs and her family announce the death of her beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and devoted servant of God, The Reverend William Marvin Griggs III, 66. Rev. Griggs went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. The Directors of Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home & Crematory are caring for the family. A funeral service to honor his life will be held at 2 o'clock on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at the Darlington Church of God of Prophecy. Bishop Richard Martin and Sis. Tabitha Marshall will officiate with burial to follow at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made in his honor to the Darlington Church of God of Prophecy, 920 W. Smith Avenue, Darlington, SC 29532. Rev. Griggs was born on Tuesday, March 17, 1959, in Hartsville, SC. He is the son of the late Hubert Wilford Griggs and the late Iris Winburn Griggs. In 1976, he met the love of his life, Marlene Gainey, and in 1978, they became one as they pledged their love before God and man. They built a home with two children, Tabitha and Matthew Griggs. Married for 47 years and 8 months, they worked side by side, their love for one another never wavering. Pastor Griggs was a mechanic by trade, and in 1977, he began working as a tow motor mechanic at Klopmon in Society Hill, SC, where he held this job for nineteen and a half years. In 1978, he was saved by the grace of God, and in 1980, he responded to God's call to preach the gospel. He pastored Trinity Congregation Church in Rockingham, NC, Pine Ridge Church of God of Prophecy, Shiloh Church of God of Prophecy, Home Branch Church of God of Prophecy, Pleasant Grove Church of God of Prophecy. He filled in for several months at Mel's Chapel in Bishopville, SC, and served at his present church, Darlington Church of God of Prophecy. He also worked at Discount Auto Parts with his lifelong friends, Mark and Deb Lunn. He retired from there in 2024 after almost fourteen years. Pastor Griggs was humble, compassionate, and never met a stranger. Those who knew him will remember his infectious smile and overwhelming laughter, as well as his deep-rooted faith in Jesus Christ and his passion for preaching God's word. May each one remember his unwavering commitment to spread love, hope, and kindness to everyone God placed in his life. He had a gift for making others laugh, leaving a lasting impression on those he met on this journey called life. He loved having fun and was a comedian in his own right. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Iris Griggs, and sister- in-law, Joanne Griggs. He is survived by his wife, Marlene Gainey Griggs; daughter, Tabitha G. Faile; son, William Matthew Griggs (Kailey); grandchildren, Robert Austin Faile, Roland Connor Faile, Dawson Griggs (Bekka), Payton Griggs (Taylor), Heidi Griggs, Gabe Griggs, Rowan Griggs, great-grandchildren, Samuel Matthews, Waylon Matthews, and soon to be great-grandchild Marvin Sturgill Griggs; brother, Wilford Griggs; sisters, Ivy Blue, Lisa McKenzie (Robert); special sister-in-laws, Wilma Gainey Yarborough, Sara Purvis, Carolyn Dixon, Debra Gainey; special brother-in-laws, Dennis Gainey, and Robert McKenzie; and numerous nieces and nephews who he loved very much.

Tributes

Rev. William Marvin Griggs III

March 17, 1959 - October 28, 2025