Ray Griffin

Willie “Ray” Griffin, 97, of Silsbee, died, Sunday, December 15, 2019. He was born on August 21, 1922, in Anderson, Alabama, to Allie Sewell Griffin and Otto Parks Griffin. Ray was a longtime resident of Brookhaven, Mississippi, where he raised his six children and in later years relocated to Texas. Ray was a very intelligent man and his talents knew no limits. He could play the violin, steel guitar, piano, guitar, and the harmonica. He really loved fishing. He was an avid bass fisherman and loved spending time with his family at Toledo Bend. He loved to laugh and tell stories about his life and upbringing. After many years working in the oilfield, he restored and rebuilt baby grand pianos. Daddy was very generous and loved helping everyone. He loved Jesus, his church, Nanaw, and his family.

We will miss him so much, but we are grateful for all he has done for us from the beginning to the end. We love you, daddy/pawpaw!

Survivors include his son, Michael Ray Griffin of Wesson, Mississippi; daughters, Malinda Pierce of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Elaine Allen of Oxford, Mississippi; stepdaughters, Ann Smith of Brookhaven, Mississippi and Mary Mason of Centerville; sister, Betty Morris of Cullman, Alabama; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Hilder Mae Griffin; former wife, Maudell Griffin; daughters, Faye Ratcliff, Jane Jordan, and Patsy Overstreet; brothers, Lewis, Earnest, Roy, Carl, Dennis, Alton, and Charles Griffin; and sister, Bertha Toler.

A gathering of Ray’s family and friends will begin at 9:00 a.m., with his funeral service at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, December 19, 2019, at First Pentecostal Church, 1403, North 5th Street, Silsbee, under the direction of Broussard’s, Silsbee. His interment will follow at Bean Cemetery, Kirbyville.

The family would like to thank Reverend Homer Looper and the First Pentecostal Church for the services and all that was done for our father.