William Griffin

William Bill Ray Griffin, 73, of Henderson passed away Sunday June 19, 2016 at Methodist Hospital. He was born in Henderson, KY on March 22, 1943 to Sterling R. and Marguarite (Utley) Griffin. A former football fullback and middle-distance track runner at Henderson City High (Class of 63), he went to work at Whirlpool Corp. in Evansville upon graduation but Uncle Sam called in 1966. He served in Vietnam in 1967-68 and, upon leaving the U.S. Army as a sergeant, went to work in construction, where he retired 17 years later as a Teamster. He was the chief maintenance supervisor at the Henderson Fiscal Court where he retired after 25 years. Bill was awarded the Golden Rooster Award in May 2007 by Jerry Lundergan. He also received the Governors Gavel Award and the Lodge Merit Award. The Senate of the Common Wealth of Kentucky deemed September 13, 2015 Bill Griffin Day in his honor. Henderson County Judge Executive Hugh McCormick declared Thursday October 1, 2015 as Bill Griffin Day. He was a life time member of the Henderson Moose Lodge #732, Newburgh American Legion Post #44, Ky Colonel, and Special Sherriff Deputy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his lifetime companion Lois Jean Jones (July 2015) and 2 brothers: Raymond Griffin and James Griffin. Survivors include 3 children: Carl Ray Griffin (Beth) of Morganfield, William Michael Griffin (Rachel) of Henderson, and Tracie Griffin (Tommy Holt) of Henderson; 3 sisters: Ann Holderfield of Robards, Sharon Yates of Henderson, and Etta Warner (Vaun) of Robards; 5 brothers: Thomas Griffin (Virginia), Sterling Griffin both of Henderson, Kenny Griffin of Lexington, Walter Griffin (Carolyn) of Reed, and Gary Griffin (Terri) of Henderson; 6 grandchildren: Katie Powers, Alexandria Griffin, Justin Griffin, Kyle Griffin, Brooke Griffin, DesaRae Griffin; and 1 great grandchild on the way. Funeral services will be Friday June 24, 2016 at Tomblinson Funeral Home in Henderson at 11:00AM with Bro. Frank Chandler officiating. Visitation will be Thursday 4:00 to 8:00PM and Friday from 9:00 AM until service time. On Thursday at 6:00PM there will be a Moose Lodge Memorial. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Henderson. Military rites will be conducted by American Legion Worsham Post #40 Burial Detail and Honor Guard. Pallbearers will be Ron Herrington, Kerry Dame, Danny Mattingly, Keith Berry, Walter Griffin, Ed Brady, and Rob Wiederstein. Honorary pallbearers will be State Senator Dorsey Ridley, Ronnie Sheffer, Jackie Pruden and Jerry Joe Greenwell. Tomblinson Funeral Home in Henderson is handling arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.tomblinsonfuneralhome.com.