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William D. Griffin

1926 - 2014

BORN

1926

DIED

2014

William Griffin Obituary

GRIFFIN William D. Griffin, age 87, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2012 surrounded by family and friends. He was born in Jacksonville, Florida on August 28, 1926. He was predeceased by his parents, Eva Mae and Lonnie Cecil Griffin, brother Jack Griffin, sister Valda Robbins and his wife of 58 years, Lucile Bunn Griffin. He is survived by his children, Billy Griffin and Laura Kelley, granddaughter Nikki Griffin, sister-in-law Dorothy Bunn Mills and devoted friend of 45 years, Rose Zeilman. He served in the Navy during World War II and the Korean War and retired from the Norfolk Southern Railway, as a locomotive engineer, after 35 years of service. He was a member of Holiday Hill Baptist Church, an active member of the Savoy Club and a friend of Bill Wilson for the past 52 years. He enjoyed having coffee with his friends, dancing, gardening and golf. He will be greatly missed by all who are left here without him. On Tuesday, July 29, you may greet the family at 9:30 AM prior to the 10:30 service, at Holiday Hill Baptist Church, 730 Mandalay Road. Burial will be at 1:00 PM at Jacksonville National Cemetery, Lannie Road, Pastor Albert Byrd officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to local wildlife rescue organizations B.E.A.K.S., INC., 12084 Houston Avenue, Big Talbot Island, FL 32226 or H.A.W.K.E., P.O. Box 188, Elkton, FL. 32033. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com

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

Published by Florida Times-Union from Jul. 26 to Jul. 27, 2014.

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Rose Zeilman

August 16, 2014

Bill had as many different nicknames as he had dance partners. He lived life with a smile and a tender heart. He always had at least one dog and sometimes a cat or two.

He also had a serious side and it showed in the ways he took care of his loved ones. His compassionate nature played a large part in the way he helped suffering alcoholics. His devotions to the Central Group of AA and the San Marco Club. Bill spearheaded the renovations to the club which were done in the early 80's Regardless of how any one of us knew him he made us all feel special, I don't know how one man could do so much for so many.

Dear man, The pain of your passing will heal as we grow to accept that you are happy sharing your many stories with the angels. You will always be loved. We are blessed to have had your in our lives.

August 10, 2014

Bill was a great friend and delightful dancer. His friendly face will be missed.

Pat Gonzalez Johnson

<arl ,JoAnne & Mark Jr Pless

July 29, 2014

Grampa as we called you. We will miss you so much you and Gramma ,Laura, Billy and Nikki have been a part of our lives for many years . We became extended family, we were and will always be there for you at anytime. No matter the time of day just call us.Grampa and Gramma took the time to love our son Mark like he was there own as you all did. We love and respect you so much. Nikki was the big sister he never had and the daughter we never had thank you for letting us be a part of your lives.

July 29, 2014

What a special man he was. Always smiling and never an unkind word.
Dorothy Morris

July 28, 2014

Bill was a Friend Of the Raulerson Family for many years. Bull dog is what we knew him as from many years back. Benjie Weaver and I Billy and Laure and Lucille had many fun times with him. Our family's have been friends All of my life and I will never forget the kindness they have given my family. WE LOVE YOU ALL. THE Raulerson and The Thomas Family GOD BLESS YOU ALL Julian Raulerson

Pat Rousselle

July 28, 2014

My deepest sympathy to "Mr. Bill's" family. He was a true gentleman with a twinkle in his eyes and a beautiful smile always for everyone he geeted. He will be missed by many,many friends at Club Savoy. God Bless you all and grant you comfort at this sad time.

David and Linda Roy

July 28, 2014

After Bill made his rounds of greetings at Realities, we always made sure we got our hug too. Bill would tell me your husband is crazy. I would say I know, but we have fun!! Bill brought me a cutting of a plant. I call it Mr Bill. Bill got reports every time I saw him. Now I Have two beautiful plants! Our thoughts of you will always be beautiful. Love You, Mr Bill

Betty B

July 27, 2014

It was a pleasure to have known Bill. He was a fine person who will be missed. My condolences to his family in these days of grief.

July 26, 2014

Bill you we're the finest gentleman I've had the pleasure and joy of knowing will miss you with all of my heart. Love you always Mary Jane

Charlie Erickson

July 26, 2014

I have known Bill and his family for over 40 years. When I was younger, he was like a second father to me. As I grew older, Bill became one of my most respected and cherished friends. I had many meals at the Griffin household over the years and enjoyed the times I spent with Bill, Lucile, Billy and Laura. They were all my second family.

I played a lot of golf with Bill and really enjoyed spending time with him. Although, I will admit that it could be frustrating to play golf with him. He was never in a hurry and would always pick up trash he would see on the course. I would swear at him, tell him that they had people to pick up the trash, and asked him to pick up the pace of play. He just laughed, swore at me, kept picking up trash and played his game! I find myself now picking up trash on the course and I think of Bill every time I do. On one of my last visits with Bill, I told him I shot my record low that day, he was very happy for me and I was happy I could share one more golf experience with Bill. He also always wanted to know how my boys' golf game was and was excited when they did well in a tournament.

Bill was a person who enjoyed life to the fullest. He enriched my life and I will miss him greatly. Of all the good times we had, one of the greatest impacts he had on the Erickson family was introducing my twin brother Eric, to his future wife, Joanne. Thanks Bill for playing matchmaker. You made Eric and Joanne very happy for the years they had together!

Bill, I know you are now playing your best golf and making lots of birdies. You are probably still playing slow, but that's the way you enjoyed life, you were never in a hurry! I will miss you my friend…

Amy

July 26, 2014

Bill I will truly miss Saturday nights hanging out with you at Realities. You will be missed very much. But the love you shared will carry on as well as your memory. Just dance.....

July 26, 2014

Bill I will miss you so much...thought the world of you. Love, Sarah

Vivian Marable

July 26, 2014

Bill, rest in peace. You will be truely missed by all. I'm so glad to have had the pleasure of knowing you. I will miss the dances we shared. The club won't be the same without you sitting on your favorite stool with a smile and a kind word for all. Carl and I send our condolences to the family.

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Memorial Events
for William Griffin

Jul

29

Visitation

9:30 a.m.

Holiday Hill Baptist Church

730 Mandalay Road, FL

Jul

29

Service

10:30 a.m.

Holiday Hill Baptist Church

730 Mandalay Road, FL

Jul

29

Burial

1:00 p.m.

Jacksonville National Cemetery

Lannie Road, FL

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