Ralph Ray Griffin Jr.

Ralph Ray Griffin, Jr.
GASTONIA -- Mr. Griffin, 87, of Gaston Place, died Saturday, January 6, 2007 at his residence. He was a native of Gastonia, and was a son of the late Ralph Ray, Sr. and Nell Griffin.
Funeral service is 3:00 PM Monday, January 8, 2007, at the Founders Chapel of McLean Funeral Directors, Gastonia, with Reverend John Stanley officiating. Interment in Gaston Memorial Park. The family will receive friends 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM Monday, January 8, prior to the service at the funeral home.
Mr. Griffin was a US Army and Marine veteran of World War II. An amateur boxer, he was a two year Golden Gloves champion in Gastonia, and held the title one year in the Marine Corps. He was the owner/operator of Griffin Machinery and Supply Co. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, even helping his grandsons start their own grass cutting business. He was an avid golfer and coin collector. Mr. Griffin was a member of the Masons and Toastmasters, where he was an award winning speech giver. He enjoyed giving to others, one would say that he was 'generous to a fault.'
Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Ralph, III and Brenda Griffin of Bessemer City, NC; grandsons and spouses, Todd and Frankie Griffin of Jefferson, SC, and Shawn and Shelly Griffin of Fort Mill, SC; granddaughter and spouse, Renee and Trey Adams of Kings Mountain, NC; great-grandchildren, Amanda Whitley, Elizabeth, Kyle, and Scott Griffin, Randee and Sydnee Griffin, and Conner Griffin; great-great-grandchildren, Griffen Haney and Anthony Whitley; sisters and brother-in-law, Betty Jean Sanburn of Anderson, SC, and Janet and John Neeley of Tallahassee, FL; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Griffin was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Constance 'Connie' Young Griffin; grandson, Robin Griffin; and sisters, Dot Caldwell and Corrine Stultz.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Gaston County, PO Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 28053.
Condolences may be sent online at www.McLeanFuneral.com. Arrangements by McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia.