Bobbie Ray "Rip" Griffin

Bobbie Ray Rip Griffin LUBBOCK-Bobbie Ray Rip Griffin, a prominent Lubbock businessman and local philanthropist, passed at the age of 87. Born into Depression-era poverty in Matador, Texas, Rip began work at an early age, delivering papers and driving a truck. That one truck turned into a single Lubbock truck stop that then grew into a multi-faceted trucking and petroleum company with interests all across the Western United States. Rip invested early in the potential value of the arid scrub that blanketed the American West. He wanted to set his truck stops apart by offering nicer amenities to the over the road traveler and trucker. As the highways and railroads expanded throughout the Southwest, Rip grew his company into fuel wholesaling and truck dealerships. A man who understood what it meant to struggle and go without; Rip was generous with his time and his treasure. He served on numerous civic and bank boards (Texas Bank and Whisperwood National) and donated greatly to Lubbock Christian University and Texas Tech University's academic and athletic programs. LCU's Rip Griffin Center and Texas Tech's Rip Griffin Baseball Park serve as lasting reminders of his belief in the importance of athletics in young people's lives. Rip and his wife Geneva understood that education and stability were something every child deserved and is reflected in the Geneva Griffin Center at the Children's Home of Lubbock. Through his experience at Lubbock High and Texas Tech, Rip developed a passion for the game of baseball. That passion fueled his sponsorship for over four decades of the Lubbock Hubber baseball club, a semi-pro team that brought home numerous state titles and national recognition. The family would like to acknowledge and say thank you to Dr. Andy Gray, Moiselle Bruns, R.N. and caregivers Rebecca Rivas, Mary Gonzales, Diana Zamarripa, Sonia Skelton and Noemi McHaney for their tireless and tender care of Dad. Rip is survived by his wife Geneva; his five children: David (wife, Lorna), Mark (wife, Claudia), Julie Pointer (husband, Steve), Jill Patterson (husband, Bill)and Suzanne Knipp (husband, Jeff); grandchildren: Ryan Griffin, Elizabeth Griffin, Michael Griffin, Lauren Griffin Hamel, Emily Griffin Owen, Jeffrey Griffin, Keeli Pointer Garza, Clay Pointer, Koby Pointer, Hunter Patterson, Hayden Patterson, Heather Patterson Guerry, and Houston Patterson; and eight great-grandchildren. There will be a Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Rip Griffin on June the 27th at 1 p.m. at Broadway Church of Christ in Lubbock. In lieu of flowers, suggested memorials are Lubbock Christian University, Texas Tech University and the Children's Home of Lubbock. Online condolences may be offered at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com.