Ronald Wayne Griffin

Ronald Wayne Griffin is a legend-just ask his grandchildren! Born April 2,1948, Ronald crammed a lot of living into his 77 years, 4 months, and 20 days, passing away on August 24,2025. His was a life of action, relationships, supportive love, and service to his Lord and his country. Ronald or "Griff" to many, was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Marie Griffin, brother Wesley Griffin, sister Elizabeth Jones, and granddaughter Hannah Faith Peavy,

He was the patriarch of his family and was devoted to his loyal wife of 57 years, Jane Mayes Griffin. Together they had four children: daughter Kimberly Williams and Billy (Zachary, Gabriel, and Bailee), daughter Cindy Peavy and Ray (Griffin and Garrett), son Wayne Griffin and Lyndsey (Micah, Addison, Noah), and son Adam Griffin and Natalie (Raegan, Olivia, Owen, and Oakley).

This tough, lovable man bloomed even in adversity. From his father's early death to a time of extreme need when his home burned losing everything, Ronald found that he had many friends and supporters. The community met so many needs-Russell and Francis Taylor along with their son David opened their home to him, Addie May Thornton gave him many rides home after football practices, and John Glenn Jackson found a way for him to manage to have a vehicle. The "Eastside Boys" were his constant supporters and friends who shared their clothes with him after the fire. His "gang" through childhood included Ronnie, Dobber, and Woodie Brazzell, Jerry Hightower, Gary Smith, Ricky Jordan, Charlie Dawson, Houston Etheridge, Jimmy Gibson, "Hoot" Gibson, Jimmy Walker, Gregg Davies, Delain and Steve Adams, and Russell Skains. This bunch on their bicycles roamed far and wide in the Winnfield of yesteryear when time was slower and the world was kinder.

Griff was always quick to give Jane credit for his graduating from school and for being brave enough to marry him on his first medical leave after he was severely wounded in Viet Nam in the Tet Offensive. Serving as a sergeant in the United States Marine Corp Lima Company, Griff was a Machine Gun Instructor with a Mortar Man Specialty and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, Rifle Marksman Badge, two Good Conduct Medals, and a Purple Heart.

After retirement as a welder/mechanic and then Supervisor at Louisiana Pacific Urania, he continued his service as Sunday School Teacher, Song Director, and Deacon at his beloved Beech Creek Baptist Church and as a gardener extraordinaire. In recent years, he gladly assumed duties of UberDriver to his grandchildren and became their besotted babysitter. He spent his last day surrounded by family and resting in his recliner on the sunny family pier, witnessing his grandchildren's excited fishing successes amid their squeals as they swam.

The visitation is planned for Wednesday evening August 27 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.at Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield. The Celebration of His Life is planned for Thursday, August 28 at 11:00 a.m. at Beech Creek Baptist Church. All his grandchildren will serve as pallbearers and the service will be conducted by David Mitchell assisted by Jim Garlington. Internment will follow in the Beech Creek Cemetery.

Ronald's grandchildren are right-the man IS a legend! How he will be missed!

Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.southernfuneralhome.com.