The Brundidge community was shocked and sadden by the sudden death of City Council Member and community servant Arthur Lee Griffin Tuesday morning.

Griffin had served on the city council for 27 years and was serving as mayor pro tempore at the time of his death.

Brundidge Mayor Isabell Boyd said Griffin’s death is a huge loss to the council and to the city.

“Arthur was very dedicated to his responsibilities as a councilman for District 2 and to the entire city,” Boyd said. “He was instrumental in getting many city projects accomplished, including the Walmart Distribution Center, Southern Classic Foods and the sidewalks on Galloway Road. He was very interested in the city’s young people. Continuing to upgrade the city’s recreation facilities was something that was very important to Arthur. He had a special interest in Ramage Park because it was in his district, District 2.”

Boyd said Griffin knew how to get things done.

“Just recently, the city needed a brick mason for several projects and brick masons are hard to find,” Boyd said. “But Arthur got out and found a brick mason to complete projects at the nutrition center and at Lakeview Cemetery. He was always willing to do whatever he could to

make the city a better place.”

Britt Thomas, Brundidge City Manager, said Griffin served the city as a member of the city council from 1992, when he was first elected, until his passing.

“Mr. Griffin was elected seven times, which tells you the respect he had in the community.,” Thomas said. “He truly was a community servant, with a passion for public service.  He was also well respected by his peers on the council and was elected by the council to serve as mayor pro tempore. The City will greatly miss his steady approach to doing what he felt was in the interest of our community.  Personally, I will miss his friendship.”

The Rev. LaDon Foster, pastor of Pleasant Hill Mission Baptist Church where Griffin was a deacon, said Griffin was a dedicated member of his church and a strong leader.

“Arthur was a leader in our church. He was always willing to do what needed to be done whatever it was,” Foster said. ‘Just recently, he was in charge of the renovation of our bathroom. He got the contractor for the project and made all of the arrangements. The project was almost completed when this happened.”

Foster said Griffin will be greatly missed in the church and in the community.

“He was not only dedicated to his church, he was dedicated to the community and its people,” Foster said. “People could depend on him. When people needed help, Arthur was there to help. When he worked for the gas company, if a customer didn’t have money to fill their gas tanks, he would put in a little gas so they wouldn’t be cold. He was a good friend to a lot of people.”

Foster remembers that Griffin would call to inquire about the needs of the church.

“Arthur always made sure the needs of the church were being met,” Foster said. “He was that kind of man. He made sure God’s house was take care of. He was a great man and he will be missed by many people in many different ways.”