Philip Griner, Jr.

Lyons
Philip Benjamine Griner, Jr. 87, passed away Tuesday, September 13, 2011. Born July 19, 1924 in Toombs County, Philip grew up on the family farm where he worked in the saw mill, grist mill, blacksmith shop, and cotton gin. He even learned to drive the farm truck before he could reach the pedals. Philip was a godly man. He was a former member of Taliafferro Baptist Church of Savannah and later a faithful member of Providence Baptist Church of Lyons. He served many rolls within the church including Sunday School Superintendent, Treasurer, church photographer and Deacon. Philip, was a member of Masonic Landrum Lodge # 48 for 56 years and had received his 50 year apron in July of 2005. Philip served his country during WWII while in the 59th, 72nd and 31st Seabees U.S. Navy Construction Battalions in the Asiatic-Pacific theater. During the occupation of Japan he assisted with the clean up of Nagaski after the atomic bomb. He received many medals for his service. His tours included Hawaii, Eniwetok, Kwajalein, Guam, Iwo-Jima, Nagasaki, Sasebo, Kyushu.
After returning from war, he attended Draughn's Business College of Savannah where he met and married the love of his life, Eloise Dasher. In Savannah Philip owned and operated a book-keeping service until he retired and moved back to the family farm.
He is preceded in death by son, David A. Griner; parents, Philip B. Griner, Sr. and Lena Griffin Griner.
Philip will be sadly missed by:
His loving wife of 62 years, Eloise Dasher Griner of Lyons
Son:Barry P. Griner and his wife Leigh N. Griner of Savannah
Sister:Lois G. Sanders of Glennville
Grandsons:Jonathan Cronin, Jeremy "J.J." Cronin (Jackie), David P. Griner (Darlene), Dale Griner (Chastity), Jimmy Griner (Lauren).
Great-Grandchildren:Russell, Shalon, Natalia & Colton
Nieces: Carol Godbee and her daughter, Brittany Godbee of Glennville
Cecilia Sheffield and her husband, Clyde Sheffield of Savannah
Philip will be remembered for his devotion to God, his love for his family, and his kind-hearted, compassionate nature. The Seabees monument in Arlington National Cemetery reads "With compassion for others we build �½�½" we fight for peace with freedom."




Visitation will be from 6:00 �½�½" 8:00 pm, Friday, September 16, 2011 at Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home in Glennville.
Funeral Services will be 11:00 am, Saturday, September 17, 2011 at Providence Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery with military honors. The body will lie in state for one hour prior to the service at the church.
Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home, Glennville Chapel in charge of the arrangements.