William Friend

“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” II Corinthians 5:8

Over the years, I have traveled to many places, so I could understand where I came from and my true purpose in life. Through my travels, I learned to appreciate people, family, and life itself. I was blessed to realize that God was guiding and protecting me from all harm and danger. My life was beautiful for as long as it lasted, but this journey of life has come to an end. Please find comfort in knowing that I have no regrets whatsoever, because I had a great and adventurous life. I have gone on to be with those loved ones who have gone before me.

WILLIAM H. FRIEND was born on October 11, 1953, in McDuffie County, Thomson, Georgia, to Eddie Lee Brown and Sarah Friend Griffin. He earned his GED in Florida and received higher education at the University of Georgia. He was certified as a code enforcement officer in the state of Georgia and retired in 2014 as a Code Enforcement/Safety Officer for the City of Brunswick.

He was an avid reader and an African history buff with an emphasis on Egyptian history. He spent numerous hours learning to read hieroglyphics and loved traveling to various countries. He always captured the audience’s attention because of the passion shown during his Black history presentation.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Sarah Griffin; a brother, Lamar Griffin; and a sister, Diane Griffin. 

He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife of thirty-six years, Laura D. Friend of Brunswick, GA; one sister, Elizabeth Waye of Brunswick, GA; several nieces and nephews; a special niece, Daysha Griffin, and special nephews, Jermaine Waye, Lamar Griffin, Jr. and Octovius Griffin; several grandnieces and nephews; and many caring and loving in-laws, other family members, and friends.