Ralph Griffin
d. July 29, 2012
Ralph Griffin
Henry R. Griffin
Retired LTC, US Army
Henry "Ralph" Griffin, 92, of Appling, GA died July 29, 2012 at Trinity Hospice Hospital.
He was born February 1, 1920 on a small farm in Marshville, NC, the elder son of the late Henry Griffin and the late Gertrude Little Griffin.
Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Army upon graduation from Marshville High School. As part of "The Greatest Generation", he served his country in three wars, including the European Theater of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. He participated in the Normandy Invasion as a Sergeant Major with an artillery company. He retired a Lieutenant Colonel and was awarded The National Defense Service Medal w/OLC, Vietnam Service Medal, Korean Service Medal w/7 Bronze Service Stars, Republic Of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Bronze Star Medal w/OLC, 5 O/S Bars, United Nations Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. After serving 30 years in the U.S. Army, he returned to serve 15 years as the Fort Gordon Army Field Printing Officer.
During the next 25 years, (the golden years) he enjoyed excellent health, his winters in Florida, traveling with his Airstream Buddies, square dancing, vegetable gardening, supporting his church (The Shepherd's Church), and helping others. The highlight of his mornings was meeting with "The Board of Directors" at Jimmy's Garage to discuss the world situation. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his captivating storytelling, and belief that you can never have too many cars.
He is survived by wife, Joyce of Appling, GA; six grandchildren, Davis Griffin, Cincinnati, OH, Barbara Harris, Newburg, IN, Brian Eldridge, Boonville, IN, Drew Griffin, Tampa, FL, Wade Griffin, Wesley Chapel, FL, Krystal Vogtner, Atlanta, GA; eleven great grandchildren; one stepson, Tony Hughes, Appling, GA; and the mother of his two sons, Maxine Straughn. He is predeceased by his sons, William Ralph Griffin and Barry Griffin and his brother, Harold Griffin.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M., Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at the Beggs Funeral Home Chapel in Thomson, GA with Pastor Bob Rollins officiating. He will be laid to rest at Savannah Valley Memorial Gardens with full military honors.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services.
The family request memorials be made to The Shepherd's Church, 3259 Kelli Dr., Appling, GA 30802 or Trinity Hospice, 2803 Wrightsboro Road, Suite 38, Augusta, GA 30909.
The family wished to thank Dr. Donald Townsend, Trinity Hospice and special care givers, Geraldine Morris and Lois Kendrick for their attention and care during his battle with cancer.
Beggs Funeral Home, Thomson, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.
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