Obituary of Jack Ray Griffin

Jack Ray Griffin, born Dec. 24, 1914, near Grove Hill, Alabama; passed away Jan. 4, 2012 at 11:30 PM in Douglas, AZ at the age of 97 yrs. Preceded in death by his wife, Anna Adele Roberts who passed away 12/18/2007 in Texas after their 71st anniversary. Griffin survived the Great Depression became surveyor and crew leader in the Civilian Conservation Corps, Camp #1416 in Holmes County, FL from Nov. 1933 to fall 1935. Griffin learned to play harmonica at age 17 while attending school in Chicago. The Gospel music he played on his harmonicas for 61 years characterized his proactive Christian ministry and lifestyle. He served in WW 2, enlisting in Florida on Nov. 3, 1942 as Private, Topographic Draftsman 070 in HQ-331 Station Compliment Squadron in the 9th US Army Air Force. Promoted to Corporal, he deployed from Boston June 27, 1944, arriving England July 5, 1944, landing by Higgins craft onto Omaha Beach, France in Aug. 1944. Stationed as an assistant US Army postmaster in Paris, returned to USA prior to Victory in Europe Day- May 5, 1945. Griffin received: European Theater Operation Ribbon w/ Bronze Service Star, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, WW 2 Victory Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button WW 2 and was honorably discharged Sept. 19, 1945. After being a successful post-WW 2 businessman in Florida, Griffin became a Gospel Tent Evangelist in the SE- US and Evangelical Missionary to the American Indians in the SE and SW- US from March 1950 to Fall 1960. He made a brief Mission trip to Cuba in 1958. From 1961 to 2009, he conducted pioneer missionary evangelism and church planting in remote rural and urban areas of Mexico, having resided in New Mexico, Texas, Mexico and Arizona at different times. Griffin became a Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans- Chapter # 209 at Zapata, TX. Griffin joined the Sons of Confederate Veterans 9/15/2009 serving as Chaplain of SCV Camp # 1710 of Sierra Vista and SCV Camp #2201 of Douglas. Griffin received the WW 2-War Service Medal, SCV Camp Chaplain Medal / Ribbon, and the Meritorious Service Award from the SCV- AZ Division. He self published his autobiography- My New Life in 2006. He is survived by four sons: John, James, Paul and Silas Griffin; I.B. (Evelyn) Griffin, brother of Chiefland, Fl. Nieces Rhonda and Carol of Chiefland, FL. , two sisters, Kate Stechmiller and Dell Carr both of Gainesville, FL., 18-grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson, numerous nephews and nieces. Funeral arrangements under the direction of Alex Espinoza Funeral Home in Douglas, AZ. Funeral service held in the Alex Espinoza Funeral Chapel, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012 at 1:00 PM. Members of the Florida Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and Local Veteran's will officiate at the service to be held at graveside in the Chiefland City Cemetery, Chiefland, Florida Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012 at 2:00 PM. Local arrangements are under the care of Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services-1301 N. Young Blvd. Chiefland, Florida (352) 493-0050 He served God, Country and Family very well. Our Dad Is Gone But Not Forgotten.