Robert Dean Griffin, a veteran of the Korean War, co-founder of Griffin Brothers Coal Co., and a resident of Bridgeport, passed away on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the age of 96, WDTV reported.
Born in Somerset, Pennsylvania, to Ernest Samuel and Mary Alice (Spangler) Griffin, Mr. Griffin attended Washington Irving High School before joining the workforce at Union Mining Co. His early career paused for military service as he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, deploying overseas during the Korean War.
Upon his release from active military duty, Mr. Griffin returned home to build enterprises alongside his family. He and his brother launched Griffin Brothers Coal Co., later expanding their business ventures by acquiring Smith Mobile Home Sales, Inc. He maintained a steady career in the region until his retirement in 1988 at the age of 58.
Outside of his business ventures, Mr. Griffin spent decades cultivating a deep connection to his community and the outdoors. He enjoyed many summers camping and fishing with family and friends in the mountains near Harman, West Virginia. Alongside those regional traditions, his travels with family carried him across almost every state in the nation, including Alaska and Hawaii.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Mary Lee (Smouse) Griffin; his brothers Edward and Ernest Griffin; sisters-in-law Nancy Smouse and Elizabeth Murphy; and brothers-in-law Howard Smouse, Donald Murphy, and Edisel King.
Mr. Griffin is survived by his two sons, Brad (Jennifer) Griffin of Bridgeport, and Bryan (Lori) Griffin of Clarksburg. He also leaves behind his grandson, Colton (Nicole) Griffin; granddaughter, Shalayne (Jordan) Vandergrift; two great-grandsons, Luke and Judah Griffin; along with sister-in-law Jean King, niece Sara McDaniels, nephews Daniel, David, and Douglas Griffin, and an extended family.
A faithful member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Clarksburg since 1944.
Friends will be received at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, located at 1766 Milford Street in Clarksburg, on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Funeral services will follow at 12 noon, with Reverend David Rockwood presiding. Interment will take place at Bridgeport Cemetery under the direction of Burnside Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be directed to the All Saints Fund at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 1766 Milford Street, Clarksburg, WV 26301, or to a charity of your choice.
