Denzel M. L. Griffin

In Loving Memory of

Denzel M. L. Griffin

🕊️ December 3, 1994 – September 17, 2026 🕊️

With hearts full of love and a pain that words cannot fully express, we announce the passing of Denzel M. L. Griffin, affectionately known as Den Den or Denny, who gained his wings on September 17, 2026, at approximately 5:43 p.m.

Denzel was born on December 3, 1994, in Akron, Ohio, to Nicole Griffin and Demetrius O’Bannon. From the very beginning, Denzel was special. He was a son, a father, a brother, a grandson, a friend, a cousin and to so many people, simply someone who made life a little better just by being there.

At 6’4”, Denzel was easy to notice, but it wasn’t his height that made him stand out. He was our Gentle Giant. He was cool, laid-back, calm, and quiet but when he spoke everyone listened. He was a great listener and never made you feel like you had to explain yourself. You could sit with Denzel, talk to him, laugh with him, or simply be around him and feel at peace. That was just who he was. He had a gentle spirit that people don’t forget.

Denzel loved basketball and music, and he could talk about the things he loved for hours. But above everything else, Denzel loved being a father. He was a proud father of five, and his children were a huge part of his heart. Being their dad was something that mattered deeply to him, and the love he had for them will live on through each of them.

Denzel and his mother, Nicole, shared a bond that was more than mother and son. She was his best friend. They talked, laughed, argued, encouraged each other, and shared a connection that only they could truly understand. She knew her son in a way no one else could, and being his mother was one of the greatest blessings of her life.

Denzel also shared a special bond with his father, Demetrius O’Bannon. No matter where life took them, Denzel would always be his son, and the love between a father and his child is something that never goes away.

Denzel leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Nicole Griffin; his father, Demetrius O’Bannon (Faith); his children, Dakhota’Ari Hackney, Logan’Ari Hackney, Greyson Denzel Griffin, and Kori Grace Griffin; his grandfather, Jimmy Henderson; his grandmother, Amelia Gaiters; his siblings, Dreshun Buford (Shatorrie), Demetrius O’Bannon II (Zoe), De’Veon Jackson, De’Yanna O’Bannon, and Ernest Wright; his best friends, Jhiron, Jaelen, Amber, Justice, Antwon, Jere, Tre, and Don; and his cousins, who were more like brothers and sisters, Dasha, Ashley, Chris, and AJ. He also leaves a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who loved him and will carry his memory with them.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Denzel Marquis Lamont Griffin Jr.; his grandfather, Kevin Lamont Griffin; and his grandmother, Carol Henderson.

Denzel’s life was not defined by the struggles he faced, but by the strength, love, and courage he showed along the way. He gave us 31 years of memories, laughter, conversations, love, and moments that we will hold onto forever. There will never be another Denzel. There will never be another Den Den.

Although our hearts are broken, we thank God for allowing us to know, love, and experience him. We are grateful for every laugh, every hug, every conversation, every memory, and every moment we were blessed to call him ours.

We believe Denzel has finally found the peace he deserves. His earthly journey is complete, and his legacy will continue through his children, his family, his friends, and everyone whose life he touched.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
— 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)

Forever our Gentle Giant.