Mr. Hazel William McGriff, Jr. peacefully passed away Thursday, January 17, 2008. He was born November 4, 1922 to Hazel W. and Catherine McGriff in Lancaster, SC. He was the oldest of 13 siblings.

Leaving Lancaster he traveled to Winston-Salem where he enrolled in Atkins High School. There he met his life long partner of 59 years, Naomi Bradley McGriff, who he married on March 15, 1949. He served his country as a solider in World War II. He was a retired R.J. Reynolds employee after 40 years of continuous service. He started out as a Deacon at United Progressive Community Church where he also sang in the choir. Upon joining Hanes CME Church, he joined the Chancel Choir and The Male Chorus. He was a member of The Olympic Lodge #795 Masonic Chapter, a Past Honorary Master in 2006 and 2007, and he also held membership in the American Legion Post # 220.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Walter, Jerry, Jimmy James McGriff; two sisters, Alberta McGriff and Magaline McGriff; and a sister-in-law, Betty McGriff.

Hazel McGriff was very devoted to his children, Pastor Evangelist La-Sandrell Pegues of Belleville, MI, Othniel (Sandra) McGriff of Redford, MI, Dyna McGriff, Zyro (Josephine) McGriff, Travis T. (Cathy) McGriff all of Winston-Salem, NC. He was the proud grandfather of 15 grandchildren and a great-grandfather of seven. Survivors also include four brothers, Pernell (Mary) McGriff, Andrew (Cleo) McGriff, Cleother McGriff, and Leroy McGriff all of Winston-Salem, NC; three sisters, Virginia (Ira) McCullough, Alicia Barksdale of Winston-Salem, NC, and Betty Jean (Ken) MaGee of Texas City, TX.

Funeral services will be held at 12 NOON Wednesday, January 23, 2007 at Hanes CME Church with the Reverend Clarence Cox officiating. Interment will follow in Salisbury National Cemetery. Family visitation will be held from 11 am until 12 NOON at the church.