Griffin, Tyler

Tyler Griffin of Pinehurst died Sunday morning, June 19 at home after a long illness. He was 84. Born in Blackwell, Arkansas, he grew up in Alton, Illinois, and subsequently lived in New York City, Delaware, Rhode Island, Alabama, and Detroit before retiring to Pinehurst in 1992. He worked in claims for Aetna Life & Casualty. He also served in the National Guard, most notably in Alabama, where he commanded the unit called upon to support George Wallace‘s “stand in the schoolhouse door” at the University of Alabama; nationalized by Attorney General Robert Kennedy, the unit instead ensured the safety of the black student. He is survived by his wife, Audrey D. Griffin of Pinehurst, son Judson Griffin and partner Margaret Ziemnicka of New York City, daughter Eve Griffin and partner Sally Stevens of Skagway, Alaska; sister-in-law Barbara and husband Robert E. Gable of Pinehurst; and beloved nieces and nephew. Memorial contributions may be made to First Health Hospice, 150 Applecross Rd., Pinehurst, NC 28374 or Margaret E. Moul Foundation, 2050 Barley Rd., York, PA 17408 A memorial service will be held 2:00 pm Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at Boles Funeral Home in Pinehurst.