Visitation, funeral service to be held for Samuel Griffin this weekend

Visitation, funeral service to be held for Samuel Griffin this weekend

The life and legacy of former Alcorn State University Director of Bands Samuel Griffin will be celebrated this weekend with events in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Visitation for Griffin will be held Friday Aug. 11, at Lakeview Memorial Funeral Home, located at 2102 Clay Street, Vicksburg, Mississippi, from 1-5 p.m.

A Viewing will be held Saturday Aug. 12 at Word of Faith Christian Center, located on 3525 Wisconsin Avenue, Vicksburg, Mississippi, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Griffin’s Home Going Service will proceed at 1 p.m.

Griffin began his career at Alcorn in 1966. Following a brief period as assistant band director, Griffin assumed the position as director of bands in 1969. He created the marching band nickname, Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite and was well known for his auxiliary innovations, including the Golden Girls and the Purple Flashers Flag Corp. He led the marching band to halftime shows in high profile venues including the Miami Orange Bowl, Los Angeles Coliseum, Houston Astrodome, the Georgia Dome in Atlanta and the Superdome in New Orleans the year of its opening in 1975.

Griffin displayed his love for Alcorn by being one of the University’s top recruiters. Under his leadership, a number of students made Alcorn their school of choice. Many graduated to successful professional careers and lives, crediting Griffin as an integral contributor to their achievement.

While Griffin distinguished himself as a musician and band extraordinaire, he also supported the mission of the University through outstanding community service. In addition to the hundreds of parades for municipalities, school districts, and civic organizations, he served as a clinician and adjudicator for many festivals and competitions. Griffin retired from Alcorn in 2012.

In November 2016, the Band Hall at Alcorn was named in Griffin’s honor. In January 2017, he received the Honda Battle of the Bands’ Honoree Award for his outstanding contributions to historically black college and university marching bands.

Flowers and condolences may be sent to Lakeview Memorial Funeral Home.