Calvin Ray Griffin

Surrounded by his family, our beloved daddy, Calvin Ray Griffin, entered into the presence of the Lord on Sunday, December 29, 2024, after a long battle with MDS.

Calvin was a loyal servant of God first and foremost. As a person who read and studied the Bible, he was a devoted follower of Christ. He was a member of Good Samaritan Fellowship Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. Also, he was honored to serve with Gideons International, sharing the love of Jesus, spreading the good news, and making disciples of all nations. He served as president and secretary for the Roanoke Rapids Gideon camp.

Born to Alfred and Margaret Griffin on June 24, 1944, Calvin is a graduate of William R. Davie. He loved sports, playing basketball and baseball in high school. He also was a pitcher for the Local 425 Team in the Men's Softball League in the late 1960's-1970's. He coached the South Rosemary Church team in the Church Youth League in the late 1970's.

Calvin was an avid UNC Basketball and NASCAR Racing fan which he passed on to his children and grandchildren. In retirement, Calvin enjoyed playing a round of golf with his buddies two or three times a week. And he never missed "his" Hallmark movies.

He was employed at the paper mill where he was involved in Union 425. After many years, he left the mill to work for the PACE and United Steel Workers' Union as a Union Representative in the North Carolina and Virginia area. He was appointed by Governor Mike Easley to serve as a member of the NC Labor Commission for two 6-year terms.

Preceding Calvin in Heaven are his mother and father, Alfred and Margaret Griffin, a brother Rocky Griffin, a sister, Barbara Nowell, a brother-in-law, Jerry Nowell, and Calvin's wife, Virginia.

He is survived by his beloved son and daughter; Calvin "C.J' (Donna) Griffin, Tammy (Arthur) Evans; his grandchildren whom he loved dearly: Trey, Megan, Zach, Margaret, and Malinda; his great-grandchildren "Gramps" doted on: Chandler, Tate, Amelia, Ava, Wyatt, Joe, and Marshall; nieces and nephews; and step-children; Robin, Sallie, and Nat; nine step grandchildren and several step-great-grandchildren.

With humble acceptance of God's will, a Funeral Service will be held at Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Baptist Church. The Family will meet at Hockaday's prior to the service from 1:00-1:45 PM.  Friends may sign the online register by visiting www.hockadayfs.com.

Memorial donations may be made to Gideons International, Roanoke Rapids Camp, PO Box 1563, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.

:  “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7).