Freddy Ray Griffin, Sr.

Freddy Ray Griffin, Sr. November 24, 1933 - July 27-2013 Freddy Ray Griffin, Sr. went home to be with our Heavenly Father on Saturday, July 27, 2013, at Royal Manor Rehabitation Center, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. Services will be, Tuesday, July 30, 2:00 pm at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be Monday, July 29, from 6-8 pm at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Freddy was born November 24, 1933, to John Arlan and Ruby Fay Griffin in Hamlin, Texas. His family moved to the Axtell area in the late 40's where he attended Axtell schools and graduated from Axtell High School in 1953. He excelled in athletics playing football, basketball, baseball and ran track. He was All-District in football, basketball and track, where he won state honors in pole vault, 50 yard dash and high jump. Upon graduation he enrolled in Baylor University, attending one semester before joining the Air Force in February 1954. He married Joyce Elaine Warren in September 1954 and to their union three children were born; Vicki Elaine, Freddy Ray Jr., and Suzanne. Ray preceded him in death in 1990. He served in San Antonio, New Mexico, France, Germany, Africa and Eglin AFB in Florida. When his four years in the Air Force were finished, he moved his family back to Central Texas from Florida and took a job with the United States Postal Service where he worked for 37 years. He was appointed rural carrier by the late W.R. Poage in 1966. He served the postal service in several capacities as clerk, window clerk, rural carrier, Rural Letter Carrier Officer, President and State Steward for the Rural Letter Carrier Association. He retired in 2002. He was a member of Hewitt First Baptist Church since 1953, when his family moved to the Hewitt area. He served many offices in the church, including treasurer, trustee and was a choir member. He worked as the Supervisor of Gates and Security for the Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo for over 40 years. He led the Circle H Riding Club, was Trail Boss of the 4th of July Trail Ride and was Assistant Trail Boss for the Cedar Break Trail Ride for many years. Freddy was a 50 year member of the Lorena Masonic Lodge, Karem Shriners and rode in the Karem Shrine Horse Patrol. He served on the Lorena ISD School Board 14 years, the Southwest Football and Baseball Association, where he refereed throughout Central Texas. He also served in the National Guard and was a member of the Heart of Texas Parkinson's group. Whatever activity he was involved in, he had a great time and always had a smile on his face. In his later years, he delighted watching his grandchildren participate in athletics. He was a strong Christian who loved his church family and thoroughly loved his large family and always wanted to be a big part of their lives and gatherings. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joyce; daughters: Vicki Elaine Hobbs and husband, Boyd, of Lorena and Suzanne Levy and husband, Randy, of Troy; grandchildren: Justin and Elaine Hobbs, Morgan Levy Hamrick and husband, Hunter, Mallory Levy Fagan and husband, Ryan, Macey Paige Levy and Kendra Raye Griffin. Two great-grandchildren: Hayze and Hutch Hamrick, and another great-grandson on the way. Two brothers: Richard Griffin and wife, Bobi, Cecil Griffin and wife, Dale; sisters: Johnnie Hastings, Juanita Auberry, Joretta Bryan and husband, James, and Eula Jean Chapman and husband, Bobby. Two sister-in-laws: Dolores Haverland and Elizabeth Peacock and husband, Oren. Forty seven nieces and nephews and over two hundred Griffin and Warren decedents. Pallbearers will be Justin Hobbs, Hunter Hamrick, Ryan Fagan, Richard Griffin, Cecil Griffin, Bobby Chapman, Carl Geer, Jerry Howard, and Jerry Denmark. The family is grateful to Royal Manor nurses, CNA's, aids, residents and therapy departments, Dr. John Kosarek and Providence Hospice nurses , for the care, love and concern for Freddy during his last years as he fought Parkinson's. Memorials can be made to Hewitt First Baptist Church or the Heart of Texas Parkinson's Group. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey