Mr. Melvin "Bear" Griner

Mr. Melvin Griner, passed away on Monday, October 14, 2024 at Washington County Regional Medical Center. Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Mt. Olive Baptist Church with Rev. Christopher Watkins officiating. Interment was held in the church cemetery.

Mr. Melvin ‘Bear” Griner was born on August 8, 1957 in Sandersville, Georgia to the late Ms. Jessie Mae Griner and Mr. Jammie Lee Hall. He made an unexpected transition on Monday, October 14, 2024 at Washington County Regional Medical Center. Affectionately known by many as “Bear,” he was no stranger to anyone who knew him. He may have been small in frame but had the biggest heart for all those he loved.

Bear graduated high school from Washington County High School in the class of 1977 and went on to establish a career at Burgess Pigment Company for twenty seven plus (27+) years. He was a family man, devoted to his wife, children and grandchildren. Despite his health taking him away from his job prematurely, he never actually stopped working. He was committed to assisting his family wherever and whenever the needed him. There was no job too big or small; even if he didn't know how to do something, you would never know. He did it anyway. Bear was a jack of all trades.

He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents; parents; sons: Mr. Brian Johnson, Mr. Dedrick Wiley; granddaughter Ms. Crystal Johnson and brothers: Mr. Jamie Hall and Mr. Anthony Griner.

To cherish his memories, Mr. Griner leaves behind a devoted wife: Mrs. Patricia Griner of Sandersville, Georgia; children: Ms. Kasheena Griner of Atlanta, Georgia, Mr. Jamario Griner of Sandersville, Georgia; grandchildren: Evan Griner of Atlanta, Georgia Bre’Niya Johnson of Dublin, Georgia, Keyonna Haynes, NiAsia Hanes, Aaliyah Haynes, Demorion Haynes, of Sandersville, Georgia; sisters: Mrs. Belinda (William) Dixon of Harrison, Georgia, Mrs. Merolyn Pearson, Ms. Rosa Hall, Ms. Mary Griner, Ms. Annie Pearl Reeves of Sandersville, Georgia, Ms. Janice Tillman, Ms. Catina Hall of Atlanta, Georgia; brothers: Mr. Willie James Griner of Tennille, Georgia, Mr. Steven (Maudell) Griner Mr. Charlie Freeman of Sandersville, Georgia, Mr. Richard Tillman, Mr. Edward     Tillman of Atlanta, Georgia; aunts: Mrs. Iola Latimer, Ms. Edna Daniels, Mrs. Katie Maze, Ms. Glenda Smith of Sandersville, Georgia, Mrs. Carrie Bell Boss of Tennille, Georgia, Mrs.    Lucille (Doyle) Walker of Fort Worth, Texas, Ms. Bertha James of Miami, Florida, Mrs. Barbara (Angela) Hall of Swainsboro, Georgia; sisters-in-law: Mrs. Arnita Wiley, Ms. Lillie Mae Wiley, Ms. Lula Mae Minor; brother-in-law: Mr. Eddie Ray Wiley; devoted cousin: Mr. Terry Jones, Sr.; devoted friends: Mr. Racie Warthen and many others from Burgess Pigment Company; a host of nieces and nephews who revered him as a father figure, other relatives and friends. M. C. Smith Funeral Home in charge.