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Virgil Griffith Obituary
"V. Ray"
1953-2014
Virgil Ray Blackmon Griffith, "V.Ray", was born December 15, 1953 in Bay Minette, AL. Sunday, March 9, 2014 he began his ride along the streets of Heaven. Ray was a life-long resident of Pensacola, graduate of PHS, Class of 1971. After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served for six years, with his last two years as a Drill Instructor. Law Enforcement was his next career, joining the Escambia County Sheriff's Dept. in 1978 and serving for 32 years in many capacities; Pensacola Beach Patrol, K-9 Unit, School Resource Officer, Front Desk Sgt., Sgt. in charge of security at the Court House. While working 40 hour weeks, he continued his education to complete his bachelor degree in criminal justice at Troy University. He was the founding member of the Sheriff's Dept. Honor Guard. His greatest passion and joy was as a Motor Officer in Traffic, retiring as Sgt. in charge of traffic. Running funeral escorts was something Ray took great pride in because it showed respect for the citizens of Escambia County who may have never called upon the Sheriff's Office.
He was a member of the Krewe of Mayoki Indians and loved parading. As a Mayoki he found that he had a talent for face painting. He loved painting faces and would continue to paint until the float was pulling away. This was just one of his many hidden talents. He always walked the parades so he could hand beads to the children along the way.
Above all else, Ray's love and passion was riding motorcycles. He was co-founder of the Blue Knight's Motorcycle Club, FL Chapter XXVI and past President. He turned his passion of riding into helping others by starting, with the help of his friend Bambi Provost, the Sacred Heart Miracle Camp Charity Ride in 2003. His passion of riding also transferred over to his wife and son and became a family affair making memories together never to be forgotten. Helping others learn to ride or work on their motorcycles was another passion.
Ray's love for people and helping others was his way of life. He would stand up for what he believed to help someone even if it got him in trouble.
He was preceded in death by his father, Virgil Lee Blackmon; mother, Dorothy Ganey Blackmon Griffith and his brother, Mark Griffith.
He is survived by his devoted wife and best friend of 41 years, Priscilla; his son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Katie; his dad, Mac (Sherri); sister and brother-in-law, Wanda and Rob McAllister; sister, Margaret Dean; brothers, Andy (Carol) and Mack Griffith. A special neice, Nicole McClelland (Josh); special nephew, Robert McAllister; his two "Special Babies", Josiah and Adalyn, many sisters and brothers-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends.
Pallbearers are Neil Forrester, Robert Powers, Rick Frye, Steve Smith, Joe Webber, Darrel Webb, Al Fryer, and Ski Gowitzke. Honorary pallbearers are Larry Stewart, Chris Miller, Ronnie Bryant, Tim Willis, Tom Vaughn, Billy Winters, John Beachman and members of the Blue Knights Florida Chapter XXVI.
The family would like to send a "special thanks" to the Sacred Heart 2nd floor nurses and staff, as well as the Sacred Heart Oncology entire team for their support and care. They went above and beyond their call of duty to help Ray and his family through this journey.
While flowers are appreciated, the family requests that donations be made in memory of V. Ray to Miracle Camp c/o Sacred Heart Foundation Suite 260 Pensacola, Florida 32504.
Ray is now riding the streets of Heaven free of pain, making "u" turns, leaving fond memories behind.
The family will receive friends at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, Thursday, March 13, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 14, 2014 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Reverend Alan Blackmon officiating. Graveside service will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery.
FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME NORTH, 1000 Hwy 29S, Cantonment, FL 32533 in entrusted with arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com
Express your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits
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Memories and Condolences
for Virgil Griffith
Samuel LaMonte
March 6, 2019
I miss my motorcycle buddy. Always a smile, always ready to go. Such special times with a special friend and Prissy. You will forever be missed. Sam LaMonte
Rex and Marijane McKinney
March 20, 2014
May the always-smiling Ray soak up God's love in Heaven. Condolences to his family. He will be greatly missed.
Donald Vinyard
March 18, 2014
Scott and family, My family and I are sorry for your loss. I remember that smile of your dad's and see that on you too, Scott. Know he is pain free and riding the angels on the clouds.
He always had a smile on his face!
Sam LaMonte
March 17, 2014
We all lost a wonderful friend. My heart goes out to Priscilla, Scottie, and the family. It was a tremendous tribute to Ray. I never knew a more caring and fun guy. We had many years riding together. I tried to help Prissy through the medical aspects of Ray's disease. What a rock Prissy is. God will give Prissy the strength to endure the loss of her man. Thanks for being my friend, Ray. I love you,Sam
scott griffith
March 17, 2014
to the best dad there ever was i will miss you but i know that you wouldnt want me to sit around and moop. and i know that you are up there now doing what you love and what you couldnt do the last few months . just know we love you and miss you
love ya motor 6
carmen fiveash
March 16, 2014
Pricilla & Scottie so sorry for your loss Ray fought the good fight jenifer and I are so blessed to have known and worked with him for many years he was one of the dearest persons I have known and I know you will miss him dearly as will all of us that knew him my prayers are with you both but rest assured he will be with you forever and you now have an angel for real on your shoulders love to you both
Carmen Fiveash
c
March 15, 2014
So sad to hear about Ray. We graduated from PHS together and served on reunion committees. A great guy. Loved partying with he and Priscilla in Mayokis. Always fun. We will really miss him. Our deepest sympathies to Priscilla and family. Ron & Mary Lockart
March 15, 2014
I just don't have the words to express how much your friendship meant to us through the years.....we miss you. With love, Billy and Kathy Winters
Patti Forrester
March 14, 2014
We will miss you so much, rest now my friend.
Patti and Neil Forrester
Vance and Jill Langham
March 14, 2014
We will be remembering you and Scott in our prayers.
Jeremy Blackmon
March 14, 2014
To my beloved cousin, I will miss you till we meet again. When we all get to heaven, I know it will be you riding the Harley. Love you cuz.
Linda McCormick
March 14, 2014
To the Griffith family---I was also a class member of PHS '71, and I attended several years of school with Ray. I enjoyed talking with him at a PHS class reunion--he told me all about his career and his love for motorcycles. With my deepest sympathy, Linda Clark McCormick
March 14, 2014
griff it was a great to know u now the lord ha a new rt hand man
Sara and Bill Davis
March 14, 2014
Priscilla, we are so sorry for your loss. You and Ray always had such a special connection with each other. We loved Ray's smile and warmth.
Mike & Terry Thompson
March 14, 2014
Ray was always upbeat & helpful. He will be greatly missed.
March 13, 2014
Ray touched so many lives. I'm so sorry he had to leave. My prayers are with his family and many friends.
Evie Scapin Morgan
Brian Smith
March 13, 2014
Ray was a good man. I will always remember him as a great person and LEO. He will be missed.
Carolyn Grandchamp
March 13, 2014
RIP Ray! You will truly be missed. God bless your family and friends!
Rick McCoy
March 13, 2014
Ray always had a kind word and a smile for me. anyone that can make you laugh can touch your heart. Ray certainly touched mine, He will be missed.
Tonya Morgan
March 13, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Samantha Leighton-Hanner
March 13, 2014
Priscilla and Scott, I am at a loss for words right now. Ray was an amazing man and I am blessed to have known him. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carl Causey
March 13, 2014
Priscilla and Scottie, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family; Ray was a wonderful person and one of the most upbeat and friendly people I've ever met. I enjoyed his friendship when we worked in the Canine Unit together. He touched many lives and will be sorely missed! God bless!
Jim Josey
March 13, 2014
I had the pleasure of working with Ray during my tenure at the SO. My Deepest sympathies go out to the Griffith family.
Linda Dixon
March 13, 2014
Priscilla and Scottie, what a wonderful testament this guest book is for Ray. He touched many lives in such positive ways. We have many memories that will forever be in our hearts. We will continue to pray for you for strength and peace, but we also know that you are comforted always by the life you had together. We love you. Linda Sue and Jack Dixon
Cheryl Messier
March 13, 2014
My deepest sympathy to Ms. Priscilla and Scott. I had the pleasure of meeting ray out at Pens. Beach and now I have the pleasure of working with Scott at Escambia County. What a lovely family! Scott, I am sorry for your loss of your father and Best Friend! I am here for you! Keep the fond memories close!
Jerry and Brenda Pitts
March 13, 2014
Ray, you were a good man who will be missed terribly. Priscilla and Scotty, there are no words to describe your pain at this time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Jerry and Brenda
Mike and Jeri Cox
March 13, 2014
Priscilla and Scott, we are so very sorry for your loss. Jeri and I are honored to have known Ray. He was a wonderful person and we love you both so very much. "Feathers are as thick as blood" Mayoki Love
Mary Rebber
March 13, 2014
To the Griffith Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers today and in the days to come. No greater testimony than all the positive love and support from Ray's friends. He gave and he received the best!
Miss Mary
glenn rothe
March 12, 2014
Met Ray in 1978 when we worked together at the Jail. He was a great guy. God bless.
Jamie Lowman
March 12, 2014
He was one of the kindest men I have ever known! Mrs. Priscilla and Scotty, my thoughts and prayers are with you both!!
March 12, 2014
Priscilla and Scotty, I'm so sorry to hear about Ray's passing. Ray and I started work at the S/O about the same time, and was a pleasure to work with him. Ray always had a smile and eager to help get a job done. Ray was a kind gentleman who made you feel appreciated. We will see him again in heaven one day. May God Bless you and your family during this difficult time.
John Sapp, Cantonment, Fl.
March 12, 2014
Ray! I cannot believe you are gone from us. I will never forget meeting you the first time when Kipp and I became Mayoki Indians. You and Priscilla welcomed us and we will never forget this! Now that we left Pensacola 9 years ago we still feel like you and Priscilla are still part of our lives. You will be forever! This world has lost a very genuine and great person. We will see you in heaven one day. Priscilla, my heart goes out to you and your family. I love you Ray!
Gavin Price
March 12, 2014
there is nothing more to say about Ray that has not been said already! Rest easy my friend. you will be missed ! Once a Motor officer always a Motor officer ! RIP Brother.
March 12, 2014
Priscilla,
Tim and I are so sorry to hear about your loss. We'll remember Ray's sunny smile and sweet hugs and kisses always! He never failed to make everyone around him feel his love and affection. Our hearts go out to you!
Love Cindy and Tim Reeves (Court of 2000)
glenn rothe jr.
March 12, 2014
I am proud to have known Ray, I first met Ray while working with him at the Escambia c. Jail in 1978. Our Paths crossed at Troy State when he Brought his Canine to class.I last talked to Ray in 2007 at the Sheriff office. He was a fine Deputy and a credit to Escambia co. Sympathies to his family. God Bless, Glenn
Denise Grimes
March 12, 2014
Pricilla I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts. I know the next few days even months are going to be hard and If you need someone to talk with I'm just a phone call away. Just keep remember all the great days and years ya had together.
March 12, 2014
Priscilla & Scotty - my thoughts and prayers are with you both during this difficult time. Peace by with you both - Tadpole
Laura and Stephen Bartlett
March 12, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Nancy & Greg Williams
March 12, 2014
I am so very sorry for your loss. Ray was a wonderful person I am so honored to have called him my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God give you peace.
Debbie Ingram-Snow
March 12, 2014
My love and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I will miss him!
March 12, 2014
Our heartfelt prayers and sympathies to you Priscilla and Scott for your loss of a very special man. Ray always had a smile and kind words for everyone. Be at peace knowing he is Heaven.
John, Roxie and Paige Zaluski
Ryan Y.
March 12, 2014
Ray, you were one of the friendliest Sgt's I had the pleasure of working with, even as a rookie deputy. Ride on my friend.
March 12, 2014
Pricilla are prayers or with you Gene, Virginia and Nick Fiveash
Kristie manning
March 12, 2014
May you frolic in Heaven, I know that you are at peace and may all the Angels comfort your family giving them the knowledge that this life, here on earth is far from the end. Your friends in Arizona will always have an open door to your beautiful family. Have a party in Heaven! Rile things up a bit! Love, Kristie and Dave Manning.
Leon Martin
March 12, 2014
Ray was the epitome of a "Great Guy;" Always smiling and friendly. I saw him a few months back and despite his health struggles he had that ever present smile and took time to talk to me and ask me how everything was going in my life. The world needs more V. Rays. Pris and family- Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and and a lifetime of memories to forever hold in your heart.
Robbie Shambo
March 12, 2014
Ray and I went to jr.high & high school together. I would run into him through the years at different places, it was always a pleasure to talk with him again. Every time we talked, I could see Him in GOD'S plan for his life, that was always an inspiration to me. I will never forget him as someone you meet in your life, that makes a True & Lasting impression. His Love & Compassion will last in everyone he touched.
JRoAnne Bergman
March 12, 2014
keeping the family and friends of this wonderful man in my prayers... thank you for your service to our community, dear man. you will be genuinely missed.
Patti pritchett
March 12, 2014
So sorry to learn of Ray's death! Priscilla you will survive but it will be long and hard -if you ever need to talk call me-I lost my husband last year and have had some Bad days- just try to remember the love you shared and that HE is no longer in pain! God bless you and your family! Patti pritchett.
Charles Griffith
March 12, 2014
I knew Ray from working with him throughout the years. I was with another agency but we always would have a good laugh about something. We were not kin but told people we might be. My thoughts and prayers go to the family. Ray is in a better place now.
AMSC CAARLTON HUCKABY USN RET
March 12, 2014
Thanks for a job well done. God will bless you over the hill. Joe RIP Brother. HUCK:
Tom Johnson
March 12, 2014
I have known Ray, aka Hoover, since the 1970s. We both started our careers about the same time. He rode motors for the SO when I was riding them for Gulf Breeze. He was a fun guy to be around. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. Although words can do little to ease the pain of his passing to his family and friends, I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers.
joe miori
March 12, 2014
R.I.P MR GRIFFITH, JOE,EX PENSACOLA POLICE EXPLOER
Mike Camferdam
March 12, 2014
Anyone who knew Ray, either for a short time or a lifetime, was for ever touched by his strength and kind heart. Respect for him came quite naturally. We'll miss you brother,
Kathy & Doyle Thomas
March 12, 2014
Priscilla & family, We will always remember the big smile & kind greetings we received from Ray no matter where we saw him....What a great guy; he will be missed by many....Love & hugs to all....
Mike Cline
March 12, 2014
Thoughts and Prayers.Ray will be missed.
Terry Lewis Burton
March 12, 2014
Over the years my memories of Ray and Pris have always been fond. Since we were in high school, they were always together. Pris, my heart goes out to you for your loss. Ray will always be in my heart as he is in so many people. Prayers going up Sweetie.
March 12, 2014
LT. TOM BRYARS BALDWIN CO.S.O. AL.
Ski Gowitzke
March 12, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with Priscilla and Scotty in this sad moment. I met Ray through the Sheriff's Office "Ride Along" program before he came to work there. He spent many shifts riding patrol with me and he and Priscilla became good friends with Vicky and I. I am proud to have known him and to call him my friend. He is someone I will never forget. RIP my Brother.
Dennis Waldron
March 12, 2014
Rest well my friend.
Wanda Greeley
March 12, 2014
Priscilla. I have you and the family in my prayers. May God provide you all the strength to cope during this time of sorrow. I feel blessed to have been part of Ray's life for the brief period. He will be missed by all of us at the Cancer Center. You to both are very special people.
March 12, 2014
Take it one day at a time Priscilla. Ray will look down and help you through this just as Ken does with me.
Wanda
Pete Bender
March 12, 2014
Rest in Peace Ray , you will be missed...
Katie Skaggs Camargo
March 12, 2014
My deepest thoughts & prayers go out to his family and close friends.
I was a Deans assistant for two years with Officer Griffith over 17 years ago. I remember him as an extremely caring man that loved his job. He's smile and kind heart will forever live on in all the lives he touched.
Cindy West
March 11, 2014
When some people die, their death is one that is felt throughout the area. Ray is one of those people. Peace and comfort to his family.
Marsha and Al Garza
March 11, 2014
Our love and deepest sympathy to you Priscilla and Scott. We will surely miss that happy, smiling, sweet, fun-loving friend! God has raised him up on eagles wings, born him on the breath of dawn, made him to shine like the sun and is holding him in the palm of His hand!!! Our prayers are for you and all the family!
Darryl Betts
March 11, 2014
You are in our thoughts and prayers Priscilla and Scott. Ray is in Heaven One. We love you all and are here for you.
Lisa Dixon
March 11, 2014
To a man who was a protector, an unofficial second father, a beautiful friend...I will miss you always.
Christy Phillips
March 11, 2014
Prayers to the family Ray worked with my grandfather at the Sherriff's dept he was a sweet man
Colleen Enriquez-Keane
March 11, 2014
My deepest condolences to you Priscilla & Scott! He was a wonderful person with the biggest heart you will be missed good friend all my love is sent to you!! God Bless xo
March 11, 2014
With deepest sympathy to your family. May God's grace bring you peace as you remember so many happy times with Ray. With prayers and Mayoki love, Sheila and Warren Baxley
Mary Smith
March 11, 2014
My love and prayers to Priscilla and Scott during this difficult time. I am so heartbroken for your loss of a wonderful husband and dad.
Jack/Gloria Strother
March 11, 2014
Our hearts are broken. We will miss you Ray
Mayoki Love !!!!!!
March 11, 2014
A very kind, gentle soul, he is missed...Our thoughts to Priscilla and Scott...Bubba Yoder and Merve Walker
Lisa Nelson
March 11, 2014
My prayers go out to the family.
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