Obituary
Guest Book
1935
2015
Gerald Wayne "Gary" Griffin, 80, of San Angelo since 1997, passed away in his home on Thursday, August 27, 2015. He was born to the late, Wilbert H. and Rachael A. Ennis Griffin on Friday, August 23, 1935 in Taylorville, Illinois. Gary married the love of his life, Dee Davis on November 3, 1953 in Paradise, Louisiana. He was of the Baptist faith. Gary retired as a Tech Sgt. E6 with the United States Air Force, after 21 years in which he served during both the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam Era. After retiring from the USAF, he then spent the next 24 years with the Iowa Air National Guard, retiring a second time in 1997. Gary was active in numerous clubs and organizations including the American Legion, VFW, DAV, Air Force Sgt. Association, and the Texas Sheriff's Association, just to name a few. His work ethic left a lasting mark on those who knew him. It has been said he was a perfectionist. He had an independent streak with a giving heart. When he gave, he did so without ever expecting anything in return. "Pop" loved his television, especially sporting events and old westerns. Gary will be missed greatly and be forever remembered as one of the greatest men ever, to those who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbert H. Griffin and Rachael A. Griffin; step mother, Minnie Griffin; wife, Dee Griffin; and brother, William Bill (Tank) Griffin.
Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Gary Wayne and Penny Griffin; grandson, Gabriel Wayne Griffin and his wife, Jessica; granddaughter, Marissa Ann Tucker and her husband, Matt; great grandchildren, Berkley Rose, Maxwell Lee, and Marley Lillian; sisters, Rose Marie Cooper, Bonnie (Salley) Mitchelson, Margie Hurst and her husband, Ron, Wendy Lee Grafton and her husband, Patrick; brothers, Albert Griffin, Mike Griffin and his wife, Jan, Glen Ray Griffin and his wife, Sherill, and J.R. Griffin and his wife, Tammy; numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.
A time of visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 PM, Friday, September 4, 2015 in the Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Alexandria, LA. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 5, 2015 in the Dry Prong Baptist Church, Dry Prong, LA. Interment will follow in the Dry Prong Community Cemetery, Dry Prong, LA. Family and friends may share photos, send condolences and sign the online guestbook at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson's Funeral Home of San Angelo, TX and Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Alexandria, LA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
January 16, 2016
Mrs. Rick Kollbaum
My sincere sympathy to the 'family'. My husband Rick had great memories of his Aunt & Uncle and cousin Gary Wayne, memories that were shared and can't be taken from me.
September 4, 2015
Jan Griffin
Gary I am going to miss our late night talks. You always kept me up later than usual reminiscing old times. We had lots of good talks. RIP beloved brother in law. Loved you.
September 4, 2015
Debbie Swink
I submitted a message last week, but do not see it here, so I will try again .
There are no words to express my sorrow over the passing of my Uncle (Bubba) Gary. He and I rekindled our friendship recently when he called me after I was in a terrible automobile accident and found myself in a hospital bed. We talked almost every other day. He kept my spirits up and encouraged me all along the way that I would get through this. Then, I could come see him this fall. He spoke of each member of his family, especially, of the grandkids and his beloved Dee. He looked forward to the day he would join her again and I know he is smiling down on us with her by his side at this very moment! He was a funny, giving, loving man. He loved his son, Gary, dearly and was very proud of him. We talked of the old times and reminisced about many times, one in particular was when we kids were playing out after dark and Gary Wayne got his neck caught in the wire clothes line at Grandpa Windy's. We laughed,recalling this, and many other times. Gary Wayne survived, of course, but that is what life is...our memories. I will remember Uncle Gary with a smile. I will miss him. I love you, Uncle Gary.
Your niece, Debbie.
September 3, 2015
Gary Wayne & Family
Bubby and Dee are both together again Be thankful you had both of them as long as you did. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Norman & Jerri Assumption, IL
September 2, 2015
Wayne, Diane Anstine
Our sympathy to Gary and all of Griff's family for your loss. He was a great guy.
Griff and Wayne shared the same birthday, Aug. 23, and had exchanged birthday card for years, including this year, just days before Griff's passing. He was still thinking of others in his final days.
He and Wayne worked together at the 185th where Griff was a dependable and hard working security guard. He could always be counted on for whatever was needed.
Griff was one of the good guys who will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have known him. RIP friend!
August 31, 2015
phyllis and jerry richardson
we met gary and Dee in Berlin Germany in 1970. We came to Goodfellow AFB in 1974 and found them here. He was a good man and had volunteered in different places after his retirement. He loved my pinto beans and I tried to take them to him often. He will be missed.
August 31, 2015
Sorry for your loss. Laura Nance (Phyllis & Jerry's friend)
August 31, 2015
Gary, Penny and family, so sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you peace and comfort. Sending a big hug. Love Donna Johnston
August 30, 2015
"GARY, so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family! George and Judy Carter, Kincaid, Ilinois
August 30, 2015
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Don and Sandy Griffin
August 30, 2015
Martha Kotila
Griffin family I am sorry for your loss. Pops was a great, giving man that I was lucky to know. He will always have a place in my heart. Hugs!!
August 30, 2015
Jan Griffin
Gary, Penny and family. You all have our deepest sympathy and love. May God grant you peace and comfort in this time of sorrow. We love you all. Uncle Mike and Aunt Jan
August 30, 2015
We all love you Gary Sorry we could not make to texas for you
Margie Ronald Hurst & family. Lovington Il
August 30, 2015
Kay Dryden
One last time I got to tell you how much you meant to me and how much I love and appreciate you. You may have been brother by my Momma marrying your Dad but you were and will Always be my big brother! I am so thankful for listening to God when he told me to call you on your birthday. I would've never thought that would be the last time. RIP Big Brother Bubby! Your Sister Kay!!!
August 30, 2015
Wendy Grafton
I will miss you very much,but now you will be reunited with the love of youre life Dee,you're father and mother. I love you you're sister Wendy.
August 30, 2015
Debbie Vertrees
Uncle Gary will be missed. My thoughts & prayers are with the whole family. So many great memories. Heaven has gained another angel.
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