Willie Griffin

Willie Griffin, better known as Buddy, was born an only child in Smithville GA on September 13, 1928 to the late Mary Ola Griffin.  While a young child, he was moved to Albany, GA.  Buddy was extremely bright and finished high school at the age of 16.  He then moved to Philadelphia to live with his great aunt and went to work at the Edwards Shoe Factory until he joined the army in April 1948 and entered the Korean War.  Buddy was one of a select few African American soldiers interviewed by Thurgood Marshall regarding discrimination in the armed forces.  During his tour of duty he went on to receive the Korean Service Medal with one Silver Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Army of Occupation Medal (Japan) ROK Press Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal and the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in a combat zone.  He was honorably discharged in 1952. He then returned home to Philadelphia

In 1954, he married his lovely wife, Juanita Maxine Parks.  They went on to have two children, William Anthony, known as Tony and Rhonda Toinette.  Buddy joined the Philadelphia Police Department and served for 25 years.  For approximately two of those years he was the Corporal overseeing the stake out of the infamous “Move Headquarters”, which culminated in an explosive fire that wiped out an entire city block.  His success within the department, allowed him to be recruited into the elite Civil Affairs Unit, where he spent his last 11 years protecting celebrities and high ranking dignitaries like General Chappie James the first African-American four star General.

Buddy, received the distinguished “50 Year” pin from the Philadelphia Police Department.  This pin represents twenty-five years of active service and 25 years in retirement.

After retiring from the police department in 1979 he went on to work for Rickels Department Store and FMC Corporation as mail room security.

Buddy leaves to mourn a wife, Juanita Griffin, son, Tony Griffin along with his wife, Wanda Griffin, his daughter Rhonda along with her husband, Samuel Tompkins.  He leaves two beautiful grandchildren, Sydney and Logan Griffin; sister-n-law, Betty McCray along with a host of loving nieces and nephews and friends.