Griffiths grew to become an completed coach after the top of his skilled enjoying profession in 1997, inspiring stars similar to Stephen Hendry, Mark Williams and Mark Allen – and likewise usually commentated on snooker for BBC Sport.
Three-time world champion and fellow Welshman Williams was among the many first to pay tribute on social media, describing him as a “mentor, coach, buddy, legend”.
Northern Eire’s Allen added: “What a legend of a person, who helped form my profession and life each on and off the desk. Completely heartbroken. He wasn’t only a coach, he was household.”
Dennis Taylor, who was crushed by Griffiths within the 1979 last, mentioned he was “one of many nicest folks you can ever want to meet”.
“I managed to see Terry on Saturday, his son Darren introduced me in to Llanelli hospital and we did a whole lot of reminiscing as a result of we return up to now,” Taylor advised BBC Radio Wales.
“He was a really, very particular particular person and a superb snooker participant and possibly among the finest coaches snooker has ever had.
“He simply cherished snooker and he by no means modified.”
Matchroom Sport president Barry Hearn additionally paid tribute to a “nice buddy”.
“Terry Griffiths versus Sid Hood for the Southern Space Beginner Snooker title was my first ever occasion I promoted in 1974,” Hearn advised BBC 5live.
“He was simply probably the most unbelievable particular person, the best dry sense of humour, a Welsh fanatic, he cherished Wales greater than the rest.
“I do not suppose anybody had a nasty phrase to say about Terry… the straightest, nicest human being you can ever meet and he was simply his personal man.
“He cherished enjoying snooker, cherished the Crucible, terribly proud to be world champion and only a whole pleasure to have round, everywhere in the world he was one in all our biggest ambassadors.”
Talking after beating Barry Hawkins 10-8 within the last of the UK Championship in York on Sunday, present world primary Judd Trump additionally paid tribute to Griffiths.
“It is rather, very unhappy information,” mentioned the 2019 world champion. “It’s robust for the household they usually have such a historical past in snooker.
“Terry was a witty man. He was all the time very humorous and fast, and a legend of the sport. He was somebody that, once I went to the Welsh Open he’d all the time come over and make a joke.
“I believe due to the folks that went to him you can inform he was an excellent coach. I had a superb connection. It’s extremely unhappy information and a tragic day for Welsh sport on the whole.”
BBC snooker presenter Jason Mohammad additionally added on social media: “So unhappy to listen to this information tonight.
“Thanks Terry for placing Wales on the sporting map – in your elegant commentary, chats and heat in studio.
“Will always remember the way you welcomed me to the snooker household when becoming a member of the BBC TV crew. Prayers with all household and pals.”