Mr. Orlando W. Griffis, 60, Clayton, NC, departed this life on Thursday June 11, 2020.
Due to COVID-19, the Governor of North Carolina has asked that all gatherings be limited to no more than 50 people including staff and all attendees such as clergy, ushers, musicians etc. Please check with the family to see if you are invited.
Please wear a face mask/covering
Walk Thur Viewing Only (not to exceed 10 people at once):
Friday, June 19, 2020
9:30am- 8:00 pm
Hood Funeral Home Chapel
230 East Front St.
Clayton , NC 27520
Private Service: (Invitation Only) - Please wear a face mask/covering
Hood Funeral Home Chapel
230 East Front St.
Clayton , NC 27520
Burial: Forest Hill Cemetery
Little Creek Church Road
Clayton, NC 27520
Receiving Friends@ 493 Hood Farm Road
Clayton, NC 27520
Services are entrusted to Hood Funeral Home and Staff.
On June 11, 2020, God in his infinite wisdom, gifted Orlando “Sway” William Griffis eternal rest at UNC Johnston Health Care Hospital in Smithfield, North Carolina at 3:16 a.m. Orlando was born on Thursday, March 17, 1960 to the earthly care of Bettie C. Hood Griffis and the late William Griffis. Orlando was the oldest and the only son of four. His father, William Griffis (June 19, 2010) and 13-year old nephew, Kevin Lamont Miller Jr. (October 2, 2009) preceded him in holy transition, along with a host of loving family members.
Orlando was educated in the New York City school system and was a known mathematical wizard. He held various jobs in New York City and North Carolina, until his health began to fail.
Orlando accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age. He was baptized at the Calvary Baptist Church in Jamaica, New York by the late Pastor Reverend Dr. Walter S. Pinn. After relocating to North Carolina, he re-dedicated his life and was baptized on Sunday, November 28, 2004 at the Springfield Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina by the late Pastor Reverend Dr. Daniel Sanders.
Orlando, affectionately known as “Sway” had and answered to many names, either given out of family love or he made up himself; “Woo Woo”, “The Doctor”, “Weasel”, “Big Cousin” and the “Black Leprechaun” because he was born on St. Patrick’s Day. He enjoyed sitting at home, which he referred to as “his castle” watching the sports channel, movies and the news. He was a confidant and friend to many. Most of all, he loved his family. No one could greet you with a “hey cuzzin” the way he did. He looked forward to family gatherings and his smile and laughter would light up the room. He remembered every birthday and anniversary. He often called to speak with his mother, sisters and cousins out of state, to ask when they were coming South. At his request, they would leave his refrigerator full with cooked meals and banana pudding. He often spoke of his 50th birthday family cruise celebration and his niece’s wedding. He never said goodbye when leaving your presence, just “Ta Ta”, “10-4”.
Precious memories of Orlando shall always be cherished by his mother Bettie C. Hood of Queens, New York; three sisters to whom he called his “Charlie Angles” Wanda Griffis Manley, Sharon Griffis and Donna Hood of Queens, New York; three nephews, Darren Hall, Steven King and Andre Greaves and one niece Erikka Manley Joyner (Roger) of New York; one great niece Mayzelle Joyner and one great nephew Kevin King of New York; ten aunts Shirley Bumpers (Jimmy Ray), Elder Phyllis Davis, Donnie Edmonson, Dorothy Jean Griffis, Fannie Mae Griffis, Gloria Jean Hinton, Clara Johnson (Tommy), Lillie Kirby, Reverend Dr. Dorothy Richardson (James) of N.C., Mary Jackson (Robert) of N.J.; three uncles Robert Hood, Harold Hood and John Hood of N.C., and a host of family members, childhood friends and the residents of Clayton Manor Complex.
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