John "Buzzy" Griffith Jr.

Mr. John L. “Buzzy” Griffith Jr., 74, of Hartwell, passed away peacefully Friday, March 20, 2026, at Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital surrounded by his family.

Born on September 9, 1951, in Douglas GA, he was the son of the late John L. “Johnny” Griffith Sr. and Dorothy Cowart Griffith. Buzzy is survived by his devoted and caring wife of 52 years, Kathy; his daughter Mandy Harper (Mac) of Chapin, SC; and his son John L. “Bo” Griffith III of Atlanta, GA. He was the proudest “Poop” to his beloved knuckleheads—grandsons Ty Harper (19) and Griffith “Griff” Harper (17).

He is also survived by his cherished siblings: Susan Couch of Watkinsville, GA; Ginger Summerville of Duluth, GA; Georgia Griffith of Anna Marie Island, FL.; and Robert Griffith (Becky) of Dacula, GA; along with his special sister-in-law Becky Welch of Lafayette, GA. Buzzy adored his 10 nieces and nephews and 12 great-nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

Buzzy was a graduate of Duluth High School and East Tennessee State University, where he was the place kicker for the Buccaneers while earning his BS in Health Science. He began his career as a high school football and soccer coach at Aiken High School in Aiken, SC, and Miller County High School in Colquitt, GA. His love of coaching and his talent for motivating young people never left him.

Buzzy went on to spend 29 years with Martin Marietta Aggregates, as a sales rep and then manager in the Macon, GA; Savannha, GA; Columbia, SC; and Duluth, GA. He later enjoyed several years with Blue Grass Materials before fully retiring. He was a proud member of the Georgia Crushed Stone Association and built lifelong friendships throughout his career.

Sports were woven into every part of Buzzy’s life, especially Georgia Football. His most treasured memories were coaching Bo at Seven Oaks Park in Irmo and continuing to support and coach him through high school and college baseball. Buzzy never missed a game or competition of Mandy cheerleading. As for his grandsons, he was their biggest fan and was often found in the stands, sometimes sneaking in the dugout, and always coaching from the heart.

In retirement, Buzzy embraced every moment: attending Georgia football games, golfing with his Hartwell buddies at Cateechee Golf Club, watching Ty and Griff play baseball and never missing his UGA Monday Quarterback Club meetings. He was a member of Hartwell First Methodist Church. Buzzy was a master storyteller, a friend to all and never met a stranger. His quick wit, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by everyone who had the joy of knowing him.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals at Piedmont Hospital Atlanta, Piedmont Athens Regional, Elberton Memorial Hospital, and Compassus Hospice for their compassionate care.

Family and friends are invited to Buzzy’s Memorial Service at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at Hartwell First Methodist Church with Dr. R. Allen Stewart and Rev. Matt Parker officiating. A Celebration of Life will follow at Cateechee Golf Club (3:30-5:00). Wear your GA Red and Black or your best golf attire!

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that memorials be made to:

Hartwell First Methodist Church: Youth or Children’s Ministries

https://www.hartwellfirstmethodist.com/giving

or

Irmo Chapin Recreation Center, where his children and grandchildren participated in community sports:

The Chase Loveless Memorial Scholarship Fund

https://www.cognitoforms.com/IrmoChapinRecreationCommission1/DonateNowGiveTheGiftOfRecreation

or you can call 803-772-1228 Administration Office.

The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is assisting the family with the arrangements. On-line condolences can be sent to the family at www.stricklandfh.com.