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Larry Allen Griffin passed away on May 14, 2026. Throughout his career, Larry held various leadership roles at both the local and national levels within American Baptist Churches USA. He also joyfully served in the camping ministry at Judson Hills and supported mission work in Haiti.
Larry was born on December 22, 1949, at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines to Richard E. Griffin and Lilia Nepomuceno Griffin. Larry graduated from Moreno Valley High School before attending San Bernardino State and the University of Maine at Presque Isle, where he earned a degree in Mathematics. He later used that gift to teach mathematics at Johnstown High School. Called to ministry, Larry continued his education at Methodist Theological School in Ohio, earning his Master of Divinity in 1978.
In December 1977, Larry married Mary-Jane Stewart-Griffin, and together they built a beautiful life marked by faith, service, and love. Over the course of his ministry, Larry faithfully served six churches: Meadowfarm United Methodist Church, Broad Street United Methodist Church, Duncan Falls Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Sunbury (now The Bridge Church), where he served for 18 years, Johnstown Baptist Church for 18 years, and most recently Concord Liberty Baptist Church, where he served as pastor until April 2026.
Of all his accomplishments, Larry was most proud of his children and their families. He instilled in them a steadfast faith that continues to guide them, always leading them to Jesus.
Larry loved God, he loved his family, and he loved serving others. His laugh was often the loudest in the room, and he generously shared wisdom, humor, and comfort with all who crossed his path. His motto was, "We doze, but we don't close." And his favorite way to answer the phone was, "Larry Griffin, how can I help you?"
Larry believed that responsive living leads to responsive giving. Moved deeply by the love of God in his own life, he responded with spontaneous generosity in countless ways.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to find a creative way to bless someone so generously that they are compelled to ask why. When they do, share with them how Jesus is far more generous than we could ever be-freely giving His grace, mercy, and eternal life. Bonus points if you can do so anonymously. If you would like to hear stories of how Larry lived this out, feel free to ask a member of the Griffin family.
Please keep the Griffin family in your prayers.
