September 20, 1937 – September 30, 2024
James Ronald “Ronnie” Griffin, 87, passed away quietly on Monday evening, September 30, 2024.
He was born in Roanoke City to the late Samuel Cole Griffin and Edna Young Griffin. He was predeceased by his parents as well as his brothers and sisters, Dick, Donald, Eddie, Lois, Judy, Dottie, Joan, and Imogene.
Ronnie is survived by the love of his life, Lula Gray Griffin, who he married on a Christmas Eve, more than 65 years ago. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews; a special niece, Debi Phelan; and special friends, Charles and Julie Gladu.
Ronnie attended Roanoke Catholic and William Fleming High Schools in Roanoke. He also attended Virginia Western Community College and Virginia Tech. Ronnie served in the United States Army at Fort Knox and then worked for the Virginia Department of Transportation. He retired as an Assistant District Location and Design Engineer after 47 years of service.
Ronnie loved to watch football and basketball, especially the Washington (Redskins) Commanders and Virginia Tech. He enjoyed building, fixing, and tinkering involving all types of projects.
Ronnie’s wife, Gray, would like to thank the nurses and staff in the ICU at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for their kindness and care of the last several weeks.
His funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 4, 2024, at Oakey’s North Chapel. The family received friends one hour prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ronnie’s memory to The League for Animal Protection, 603 Poor Farm Road, Fincastle, 24090. Condolences may be shared with his family by visiting ww.Oakeys.com. Arrangements were by Oakey’s North Chapel, (540) 362-1237.
