VALDOSTA, Ga. — Mr. William “Bill” Ralph Griffin, 80, died Tuesday afternoon, November 1, 2022, at The Canopy at Azalea Grove in Valdosta.
Born December 24, 1942, to the late William Berry Griffin and Bernice Crum Griffin in Tifton, Ga., he met his one and only true love, Penny, at the age of 17. They raised two daughters in Bradenton, Fla., where they lived for 45 years and founded Controls and Weighing. After he retired, he worked on avionics at Vandenburg Airport in Tampa, Fla. for many more years.
Bill was an avid pilot and once again went into full retirement. In 2016, they moved to Waycross and he became a deacon at Beulah Baptist Church in Pierce County. After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, they returned to Bradenton to be close to his daughter for help. Once his illness took over, he was moved to The Canopy at Azalea Grove in Valdosta.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Don Griffin; and two sisters.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Penny Tillman Griffin of Bradenton; two daughters, Angela Griffin of Bradenton, and Melissa Eastep (Stewart) of Albuquerque, N.M.; five grandchildren and four great grandchildren; and one sister, Margaret Griffin Joy of Tifton.
A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. today (Saturday, November 5) at Beulah Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends the hour prior to the service at the church.
Sympathy may be expressed by posting to his tribute wall, or by viewing the video tribute and funeral service recording at www.musicfuneralhome.com.
Music Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
