Tommy Griffin

Welcome,

Welcome to Cane Creek Meeting on this 4th month 4th third day of 2023.

We are gathered here to celebrate the life of Tommy Griffin.

Let me start by saying what an honor it is to participate in this celebration of Tommy’s life.

And let me get something out of the way right now. Tommy did not live a perfect life. He made his share of mistakes and bad choices. He tested the endurance of his family’s love from time to time.

It sounds like I am giving a description of my life and perhaps some of you can identify with the humanity of Tommy’s life as well.

Maybe, just maybe that is the part of life that we need to celebrate at a time like this. The human things that make us unique and special end up being the things that people end up missing when our earthly existence is changed to an eternal one.

Things like a genuine welcoming smile that hinted at a little craftiness when an Alamance County Deputy walked in the Snow Camp Market. The “Snow Camp Ranger” willing and ready to help in any way that he could, he just needed to know what was going on.

The way Tommy would cut his eyes to one side as he talked about his Grandchildren.

The humble spirit that was in his voice when he would ask for forgiveness with Becky’s cup of coffee first thing in the morning.

The way he talked with people; Tommy never met a stranger.

Tommy never knew anyone that he considered bigger than himself, but the real beauty of Tommy’s attitude toward people was that he also never considered anyone smaller than himself.

Tommy was one that looked you in the eyes when he talked with you, as a matter of fact if you weren’t careful while you were talking with Tommy your eyelashes may have even touched each other’s.

Tommy’s wisdom was unmatched, if you don’t believe me just ask just ask Becky, Nancy, or Rufus. “The baby” of the family somehow got all the wisdom.

I never experienced it personally, but I am told that Tommy was a “little stubborn”, again if this comes as a surprise to you, I believe Becky, any of his family or close friends will confirm.

Tommy loved his Bluegrass and his “Bluegrass Family”, and I don’t believe that I am going too far out on the limb by saying that Tommy Griffin was the most well-known name and face at the Bass Mountain Bluegrass Festival.

Tommy also loved James King, I am not speaking of the late James King of the James King Band, although Tommy did have a great love for him, I am speaking about his dog which he named soon after James’ passing. Tommy and James King went pretty much everywhere together including countless visits to the Snow Camp Market, The Dollar General and many other places. He will be sorely missed there.

But Tommy’s love for you, his family and friends, goes on unmatched except for his love for God.

"Because of Jesus, we have the assurance that whatever disturbs us, disturbs God more. Whatever grief we feel, God feels more. And whatever we long for, God longs for more." (p. 92) (Heaven- R. Alcorn)

The Bible says that for those in Christ, "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord."

Prayer.

“Father God, you promised to help us in our time of need. Send your tender mercies to this entire family here today. Shower them with strength from your Holy Spirit. Encourage them with your promises. Guide us today as we reflect upon Tommy's life and bring honor to you. Give us eyes of faith so that we can see the eternal blessing that is now His. Strengthen us with hope today and always. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.”

Perhaps the greatest song ever written was a song recorded in God’s Word. It was a favorite of the Old Testament and a favorite of the early church as well. It continues to be a favorite to this day. It’s a song – a psalm – written by a shepherd boy and King, David. Psalm 23

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Tommy knew his Bible very well; this was instilled in him early in his life and as the Bible teaches in Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go. And even when he is old, he will not depart from it”.

Tommy wasn’t present at the meeting house that often, but this is something that Tommy and I spoke about on several occasions.

What is the church? The Bible says that the church is the body of Christ—all the people who accept Christ’s gift of salvation and follow Christ’s teachings. It is much more than a building. In the Bible, “church” never refers to a building. It always refers to people—the people who follow Jesus Christ.

Being part of the body of Christ means we are called to be continually shaped to be more and more like Christ. This happens by letting the Word of God, the Bible, guide our faith and our lives, by worshiping God and celebrating the sacraments that Jesus gave us, and by living in community with each other.

I am not discounting church attendance; I personally believe attending church is important. But this is not how we receive eternal life.

It is not by works or deeds that we receive eternal life, but by the works of Jesus Christ. Christ suffered, He died, and arose from the grave so that we shall live… forever. All we must do is to receive by faith this gift from God!

And praise God, Tommy knew this and accepted this precious gift that God has offered each one of His children and that includes You and Me.

No matter the sin or situation, God is waiting with open arms to receive us into His family.

If you want a life that matters, a life that means something, a life that can change the world around you, a life that will impact other people…Jesus Is The Life!

He is concerned about every aspect of your life.

It means that you don’t have to go through this alone. He wants you to find comfort in His word, to find comfort in the people He has place around you.

Tommy Griffin impacted countless lives and will be missed greatly. He was the type of person that you just don’t forget. So, when Tommy comes to mind remember, he is picking and grinning in the greatest venue with the wonderful people that have gone on before him! We too can spend eternity with Tommy at the great festival in heaven, all we must do is believe and accept the free gift of salvation.

I’m Free

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.

I’m following the path God has laid; you see.

I took His hand when I heard him call, I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work, to play.

Task left undone must stay that way, I found that peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, oh yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life’s been full, I savored much, good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your hearts and peace to thee, God wanted me now; He set me free.

GRAVESIDE:

It’s easy for us to come to a cemetery and see a place of despair.

To look at the graves and see what our common end is in this life.

It’s easy to look at all this and think that life really is very short.

Cemeteries seem like a place of final separation, because from here we leave and go our own way.

For this moment in time, we all stand here and remember Tommy who touched our lives so deeply.

And now we move on carrying only memories with us.

Fond memories and changed hearts.

But before we leave, I would like to share this scripture with you.

Job 19 25-27-"But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last.

And after my body has gone, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself.

Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!”

Lord, we ask of You that this circle may never be broken.

Dear heavenly Father, we have gathered here today to remember and honor the amazing life of Tommy Griffin. We also gather to say goodbye one last time and celebrate the life that he enjoyed here on earth and thank You for each precious moment and memory that we have had with him. His life has touched so many in so many different ways. We pray that your peace and presence will be upon us, and we pray this in the name of Jesus, Amen.

May the circle be unbroken.

Tommy Griffin Service, April 25, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.

Prelude: Pianist Marilyn Matthews

Welcome, Remarks & Prayer: John Teague

Hymn: “Amazing Grace” pg. 418 Congregation

Special Music: 1. “Love of the Mountain”, 2.“Roy Lee”

Cassie Burrows and Craven Holt

Special Song: “Jealous of The Angels”

Kimberly Smith & Olivia Stutts

Open Worship – Eulogies: Family & Friends

Special Music: “Daddy Doesn’t Pray Anymore”

Cassie Burrows

Scripture & Message: John Teague

Postlude (CD): “Don’t Cry For Me Down Here”

Brad Paisley