September 15, 2024
The U.S. National Demolition Association (NDA) and numerous professionals in the demolition industry are mourning the loss of D.H. Griffin, who passed away peacefully on September 15.
Known simply as “D.H.,” D.H. Griffin was a cornerstone of his community and the founder of the prominent D.H. Griffin Wrecking Company. He was also one of the founding members of the NDA.
NDA President James Milburn shared, “In 1972, D.H. Griffin Wrecking Company was instrumental in establishing our association. D.H.’s company has left an indelible mark on both the industry and our organization. His legacy is a benchmark for excellence in demolition, and we all strive to reflect even a portion of his remarkable achievements.”
Celebrated as an industry icon, D.H. was raised in Rockingham County, North Carolina. From a young age, he understood the value of hard work; at just 9 years old, he began plowing fields with a mule on a sharecropper’s farm. D.H. left school in the 8th grade, working on the farm until he secured a job at Lorillard Tobacco, where he met Marylene Fields, the love of his life. They married on December 24, 1958, building a wonderful life together and raising three beloved children, Benita, Melody, and David Jr.
In 1959, D.H. and Marylene launched D.H. Griffin Wrecking Company with little more than a pickup truck and a strong determination. His first project involved dismantling a church by hand and using the materials to build their first home. Over time, he expanded his approach, taking down buildings with hand tools and recycling the materials piece by piece.
Under D.H.’s leadership, the company grew from a local operation into a national leader, known for its expertise in complex, high-profile demolition projects across the country.
The NDA expressed, “His legacy will be deeply treasured and remembered by all who were fortunate to know him.”
Those wishing to pay their respects can find further details here: David (D.H.) Griffin, Sr. Obituary - Greensboro, NC.
Original Article: https://www.demolitionandrecycling.media/news/in-memoriam-d.h.-griffin-1939-2024/8039199.article