of Jonesboro, AR
June 24, 1930 - May 14, 2009
Gordon Ruben Griffin, 78, of Jonesboro, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2009 at St. Bernard's Regional Medical Center. He was born in Jonesboro on June 24, 1930 to Gordon and Jewell Simmons Griffin. Mr. Griffin served his country honorably in the Army National Guard for 12 years.
After graduating from Valley View High School and attending Arkansas State University, Mr. Griffin's working career began in sales with the Child's Company. After several years with the Child's Company Mr. Griffin purchased a retail gasoline station with Mr. Hoyt Caldwell. As the business grew Mr. Griffin formed a wholesale petroleum business which he owned and operated for some 45 years under the brands of City Service (CITGO), Fina, Coastal, Total, Conoco, Phillips, Mapco Express and the proprietary brand, Griffin Express operating 70 retail locations in five states. During these years Mr. Griffin also developed a real estate operating company that developed both residential and commercial properties throughout Northeast Arkansas. Mr. Griffin's business holdings also branched into commercial banking and quick serve restaurants.
Mr. Griffin had a giving heart. Throughout his life he served on the boards of directors for Citizens National Bank of Walnut Ridge, Bank of Northeast Arkansas, Farmers Union Funeral Home and Woodsprings Church of the Nazarene. He was also a committed disciple of Jesus Christ having been a lifelong member of the Church of the Nazarene. Mr. Griffin also assisted many budding entrepreneurs in starting their own businesses throughout his career.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Ginny Griffin of the home; two sons, Steve Griffin of Jonesboro and Tony Griffin of Edmond, Oklahoma; six grandchildren, Kodi, Stevie, Wyatt, Addison, Will and Lainey Griffin; a brother, Ralph Griffin of Jonesboro; and two sisters, Jean Caldwell and Marion Campbell both of Jonesboro. Mr. Griffin also has two cherished daughters-in-law, Ms. Courtney Harwood Griffin and Mrs. Tracy Earnhart Griffin.
Mr. Griffin was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Wandaleen Wood.
Funeral services will be held Monday at Forest Home Church of the Nazarene, beginning at 10 a.m., with the Rev. Tony Griffin presiding along with the Rev. Eudell Stroud, the Rev. William C. Haltom and the Rev. Ken Stallings. Burial will follow at McDaniel Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday from 5-7 p.m. at Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will include Jeff Haltom, Carroll Caldwell, San Caldwell, Veryl Hodges, Denny Hodges and David Griffin. Honorary pallbearers are the Rev. William C. Haltom, Byron Heady, Ed Stallings, Skip Mooney Sr., Doris Griffin, B.T. Griffin, Claude Campbell, Red Bearden, Hubert Brodell and Harold Perrin.
Sign Guestbook
22 Condolence(s)
cj laire
Thursday, July 2, 2009
sorry to hear bout the loss of your loved one ruben griffin he was and still is a nice guy in my heart he would help me in any way possible my my thoughts and prayers be with u and your family during this time of need god bless u all
Mike Boyd
Monday, May 18, 2009
To Ginny, Steve, Tony and your families,
My condolences on your loss, and my most heartfelt gratitude for the influence that Ruben (and your family) has had on my life. He will certainly be missed, and I trust that happy memories and the love of family and friends will comfort you during this time. Much love, Mike
Racquel Neese
Monday, May 18, 2009
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of the family.
Arkansas Urology Clinic
Monday, May 18, 2009
The Griffin Family,
What a joy it was to know Mr. Griffin. He could light up the room just by entering it. He was one of our favorite patients. We always enjoyed visiting with him. May GOD bless each & every one of you. We know he is smiling down amoung us.
The entire staff at Arkansas Urology Clinic
Jerry Hawkins
Monday, May 18, 2009
I have such great memories of Ruben. He was always a good friend to me. He had a kind heart a sharp mine and loving spirt. I am so sorry for your loss.
Norma Whitlock
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Ruben My good friend I am so sad that you are no longer here you have been such a good friend to me and my family you will be greatly missed . I that you are in heaven with wings, I will think of always.
Kenneth & Patsy Gerber
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Having been friends with Ruben Griffin and other members of his family for many years we are sure he
will be sadly missed.
May your hearts be filled with warm thoughts and
treasured moments of this dearly departed.
Kenneth & Patsy (Collins) Gerber
Julie Roberts
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Gin, Steve and Courtney, and Tony and Tracy and your precious families I can not even begin to tell you how my heart goes out to you. He will be very missed. Jonesboro will not be the same w/o Ruben Griffin. We will continue to pray for your family during this time of adjustment. Just know that he is just a thought away and he will always be with you. Julie
Hugh Vick
Sunday, May 17, 2009
I am deeply saddened by the loss of my good friend
of many years..I have faith that he is in heaven having
a big time right now..
Leslee Phillips
Sunday, May 17, 2009
My Dear Friends,
I am so sorry about Ruben hip surgery that caused additional problems and sudden death. It is such a shock! If there was anything I could do to help you in this time I would. His loss leaves a deep hole that nobody else can fill it like Ruben. If he was not one a kind, he was close.. Steve and Tony and Gin - I have you all in my prayers. All my love... Leslee
So I pray...
Holy God,
When all else fails, You are still God and we are thankful. We know that You know our grief because You have been there. You created Ruben and blessed him with a good life. Now, good Lord, surround his loved ones with Your peace, presence and love. Let them cherish the good and hold each other close and You seek to do. May they feel Your touch and know Your promise that death is not the end of love or presence. Give to them Your comfort as The Good Shepherd. We thank You Lord for Ruben and his Love for You. Amen.
Wade Rodgers
Sunday, May 17, 2009
To the family and loved ones of Ruben Griffin. I first met Ruben in 1991 and he was a man that I was proud to call my friend. We worked together for many years and I will never forget his great sense of humor and his love of God, family and country. He will be missed greatly. We pass on our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones.
Charles Ed Mattix
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Having been borned and raised less than a stones throw from the Gordon & Jewel Griffin family plus being close relatives to the Griffin family, Rubens passing is a shock and great sorrow for me. While back in Jonesboro this past November my brother
Ralph and I had the opportunity to visit with Ruben and we all really had an enjoyable exchange re-living all those old good times and things we did as kids and teenagers living there in the Valley View community.
Good memories that will last for all time. So all I can say now to Ruben is I bid you farewell and best wishes.
terry & shirley millsap
Sunday, May 17, 2009
i worked for mr.griffin for many year. my heart goes out to the family.
shirley
Brenda Vail
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Gin, Steve, Courtney & family & Tony, Tracy & family;
There are no words that I can say that will heal the pain of the sudden and unexpected passing of Ruben. He will be missed by many but to live in the hearts of those left behind...is not to die. May your children know that they were loved and his pride and joy and may his wisdom and sense of humor be passed on from generation to generation in this circle of life. Cherish all your memories and know that he will always be close in your hearts. God will give each of you more strength than you could ever imagine. I love each of you!
Bren
Wade Pack
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Ruben was a good and long time friend to both my father and me. My condolences to the entire family. God Bless Ruben.
Donald & Janet Boyd
Saturday, May 16, 2009
You will be greatly missed in this old world, but oh, what joy will be shared when we meet again in eternity. Go to heaven a shoutin' ! Love to all the Griffins, so sorry for your loss.
Curtis Griffin
Saturday, May 16, 2009
I'm am so sorry for your loss and I am at a loss for words. He will be missed.
Linda Gipson
Saturday, May 16, 2009
May God be with all of you during this difficult time.
Wiedman Cleaners
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Steve & Family,
You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Sincerely, All of Us at Wiedman Cleaners
William Cash
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Thank You God, For allowing me the privledge of knowing Ruben Griffin. thank you for all your encouragement for even in death, your words of wisdom still bring me life. Thank You Sir . Thank You Sir. May the grace of God and the abundance of his love bless and keep you in these times.
Lucille Racy
Friday, May 15, 2009
I will miss my dear friend in the natural but he lives in the words of wisdom that he shared. You all are in my prayers.
Daniel Drake
Friday, May 15, 2009
Sorry for the lost. I will be praying for the family.