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Gary Griffin Obituary

GRIFFIN, GARY STEVEN, age 58, completed his journey in this life on Wednesday, October 10, 2007. Gary was born July 26, 1949 in Jacksonville, FL. A graduate of UCF, he worked in the automotive industry with Goodyear and affiliated dealerships, most recently with Florida Tire. Gary pursued numerous artistic hobbies, including watercolor, acrylic, mixed media and sculpture. He was an avid gardener and his outdoor interests included hunting and fishing. A fifth generation Floridian, Gary was a professional drummer with several area bands during the 1960's and 70's, including The Twin Tones, The Swinging Temptations and The Goodtime Express. He was preceded by his wife, Lynn Shiplett Griffin in April 2006. He is survived by his daughters, Amy Griffin Perry of Seminole County and Kimberly Anne Griffin of Atlanta, GA; grandson, Colton Cash Perry; brothers, Ben Griffin, Jr. (Rita) of Baltimore, MD, and Kevin Griffin (Beth) of Maitland; parents, Ben and Marian Griffin, longtime residents of Winter Park. In lieu of flowers, please direct contributions to Hospice of The Comforter, 480 West Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714. A Memorial Service with reception to follow will be held Saturday, October 20th at 2PM at Winter Park Christian Church, 760 N. Lakemont Avenue, Winter Park. Services under the direction of Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home, Gotha, FL. 407-293-1361.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Orlando Sentinel on Oct. 14, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
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Kevin Griffin

October 24, 2007

Gary, you were my older brother that was always there for me. I always remember the photo of you holding me on top of the box that was my playpen on my first Christmas, both of us in matching red sweaters. Thanks for all the great stories, jokes and fun you brought to my life! Until we see each ther again, Love Kevin

Steve Prince

October 18, 2007

Dear Gary,
You left us way too soon! But you left some great memories: accomplished drummer, wonderful positive attitude, and most significant, a special smile. I met you and your family when I was a teenager. Those memories are very special to me.
Fellow Drummer, Steve Prince

Michael Lubanski

October 17, 2007

Just short of my parents, Gary had more impact on my life than any other person I have met. Gary was a sound leader and motivator when we worked together at Goodyear and a fantastic inspiration when we opened TechMaster Tire in Daytona Beach and Deland. Working side by side for hours upon hours never really seemed quite like work when you were with Gary. Anybody that has done inventory with Gary at midnight, while eating wings, pizza and enjoying a cold Killians, is certain to feel the same way. I was also blessed by having the joy of Lynn in my life. I could never get enough of her company, charm and sarcastic wit. The two of them were great together. Gary and Lynn will forever be a part of my life.

John Warder

October 15, 2007

Gary was an integral part of my life, from the days of the Swingin' Temptations to the Goodtime Express to our years of adventures with Goodyear. He was always there to offer ideas and solutions, even if they weren't exactly "by the book". He was involved in both of my careers and I will truly miss his wisdom, humor, artistry and willing spirit. As a musician, he was one of the finest I have ever worked with. He had a knack for bringing energy to a band that the audiences loved. As a business man, he had a natural sense of what needed to be done and when. As a loving father and husband, from my observation, he was devoted and loving. I will always be grateful for having had he and Lynn in my life and for being able to be a part of theirs.

John Wagner

October 14, 2007

In a lifetime there are only a few individuals we can consider truly close friends. Gary and I go back to the land of young teenagers when his brother and I were in our first rock and roll band. He later became a great drummer in the Orlando area and we had anincredible band called the Goodtime Express. It was when he was with our group when he met his incredible wife, Linn. What a musician and friend he has been. I will truly miss one who I could say was a true friend.

Ben Griffin

October 14, 2007

To a brother with a wonderful heart who helped so many in his life, may your rest and peace allow you to be with Lynn and find new enchanting landscapes to paint.
You will be missed by many who are so glad you were here for this journey. Your Brother, Ben

Bob and Amy Lanpher

October 14, 2007

Both Gary and Lynne will be deeply missed. The memories we have of us together will forever be cherished and relived in stories of laughter and joy. Our trip to Palm Springs, CA was without a doubt the funnest of all times for Amy and I spent with friends. I don't think the State of CA has yet to recover from some of the things the four of us did in our journey through Hollywood and LA. My fishing trip with Gary several months ago is a memory that I will cherish forever. Watching Gary catch a 47lb Dolphin that took nearly 1 hour to put on the boat was an incredible site that I wish everyone could have witnessed. That fish was sent for you that day Gary.
"Greatness", best describes Gary and his life. He was an incredible person that always gave of himself and never asked to receive. His gift in life was his wonderful smile, his infectious laugh, and his willingness to always give of himself to help someone else. He was truly one of the "Great Ones". We love you and will miss you Gary.

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