For Todd Griffin, Serving Families in Their Time of Need has Been a Career Long Pursuit
When he was a senior in high school, Todd Griffin’s grandfather passed away. It was the first funeral Griffin had ever experienced. Intrigued by how the arrangements were handled, he returned to the funeral home a few weeks later, expressing interest in the work, and was hired part-time. That began what is now an almost 35-year career as a funeral service professional. Today, he serves as the managing director of the J. Henry Stuhr West Ashley Chapel.
When asked what the most important part of his job is, Griffin said, “The connections I make with people at one of the worst seasons of their lives and the fact that each day brings a new challenge, allowing me to learn something new every day.”
Griffin and his wife, Shelley, relocated to Charleston from Sumter, South Carolina, in 2015.
“After our children were on their own, we moved to Charleston so Shelley could work at MUSC’s NICU – her lifelong dream – and I could work at J. Henry Stuhr,” explained Griffin.
He joined J. Henry Stuhr’s in 2020. “J. Henry Stuhr is widely regarded in the funeral industry, and having the opportunity to join the Stuhr family is the ultimate goal for a funeral service professional,” said Griffin, who is now a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner.
Early in his education, after serving a 24-month apprenticeship, he graduated with a degree in Funeral Service from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Stonecrest, Georgia. Griffin is dually licensed as a Funeral Director/Embalmer in South Carolina and Georgia.
Griffin was recognized by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice and received the designation of Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP). His accolades and accomplishments are extensive, including designation as a Certified Crematory Operator by the Cremation Association of North America and the National Funeral Directors Association.
He is a two-time graduate of The Foresight Companies Funeral Bootcamp, which is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and a graduate and life member of the Sandler Sales Training and Professional Development Organization.
Griffin also participated in Our Community Listens, an organization whose vision is to “imagine a society where leaders have the skills and courage to care,” and he carries that concept forward in his daily role.
“I have a passion for teaching and coaching other young professionals who are stepping into the funeral service field,” said Griffin, who is also a member of the South Carolina Funeral Directors Association.
Griffin’s own passions and hobbies include fitness and nutrition, spending time with his wife Shelley, and their children, Jessica, Anna, and Hayden. He’s also credited with bringing his precious Sydney Cooper on board as Stuhr’s West Ashley “Therapy Dog.” She provides smiles and comfort to client families and visitors.
Whether you need the services of a funeral professional now or you’re just preparing for the future, Griffin has some advice about working with Stuhr’s: “Stuhr is a name and family that can be trusted,” he said. “We believe every life matters, has meaning, and deserves to be honored, celebrated, and remembered, in a way that is just as unique as the life someone lived.”
