HOYLE CULPEPPER GRIFFIN

Hoyle C. Griffin was born December 17; 1905 in Union County, North Carolina.  He attended Ohio State University and received a degree in economics and animal husbandry. Following graduation, he returned to the family farm and was engaged in an active agri-business career for nearly half a century.

He and his partner developed the Griffin Implement Company, a farm equipment dealership, and the Griffin Milling Company that became the predecessor of the present-day Producers Cooperative Feed Mill. Mr. Griffin was also active as a turkey producer during this period. He was a co-founder and the first president of the Monroe turkey processing plant that later became affiliated with Armour and Company and now Cuddy Farms. He also participated in the formation of Gimco Sales Company, a firm that continues to be active in turkey production.

Mr. Griffin was an outstanding agricultural leader in south central North Carolina. He served as a member of the North Carolina State Board of Agriculture for 20 years and was a member of a national committee for the study of turkey production. In addition, he was active in community leadership, serving as a member of the Union County Industrial Commission, the Board of Trustees of the Union Memorial Hospital, and a Director of the Federal Land Bank of Monroe.

Mr. Griffin died in 1975 and is survived by his wife, Lila, who still resides in Monroe. The companies and the organizations that he helped develop are continuing to make significant contributions to the poultry industry of North Carolina.

Mr. Griffin was truly a pioneer in developing the poultry industry in the Union County area, and the North Carolina Poultry Federation is pleased to honor him by induction into the North Carolina Poultry Hall of Fame.