Raymond Griffin, 84, went to his heavenly home on May 11 after a long battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Raymond was born in Butler County Ala., the son of a country Baptist preacher, Merton Griffin and wife, Edna.  After graduating from Greenville High School in 1950, Raymond joined the Air Force. He served most of his time in Biloxi, Miss., as an air traffic controller.

In 1952 he married his loving wife, Frances Baswell. After discharge from the Air Force, Raymond went to the University of Alabama, graduating in 1957, with a degree in broadcasting and communications. After working briefly in radio, he became an air traffic controller.  Ray worked with the FAA at the Atlanta Air Route Traffic Control Center, coordinating all air traffic in the Southeast. He became the chief training officer and retired as the assistant chief of the Southeastern region.

Having played football and baseball in high school, Raymond later enjoyed coaching little league football and baseball teams. He also enjoyed playing golf and attending GHS reunions. Raymond served as a deacon and active member of churches in Georgia and Alabama. After living in Georgia for 48 years the Griffins moved to Tuscaloosa, Ala., where they could enjoy the Alabama Crimson Tide. He was delighted with the Tide’s national championships.

Raymond is survived by his wife of almost 64 years, Frances; their three children, son, Ron(Claudia), Memphis, Tenn. daughter, Jamie Walters(Dennis), Snohomish, Wa., and son, Rick(Denise),Jonesboro Ga.; six grandchildren, Amanda Butler (Graham), Jennifer Griffin, Matthew Walters(Cori), Daniel Walters, Sherri Henry (Josh) and Kacie Griffin; and two great-grandchildren, Tripp and Abby Butler. He is also survived by four sisters, Lottie Belle Lewis (Bo), Virginia Russell (Tommy), Bettie Joyce Croley(John), and Melba Jean Brock(Joel), and many nieces and nephews.

Raymond was as proud of each child, grandchild and their spouses as they were of him.  He was steadfast, caring, supporting and always there for his family. His counsel would guide them through all of life’s circumstances.

An amazing husband, father, grandfather and friend – he will be sorely missed. We will carry a large part of him with us forever.