Griffin Jr., Frank

On November 30, 2016, our best friend Frank Griffin transitioned to be with the Lord. Frank is survived by his wonderful wife, Almetta C. Griffin; his children, Gina and Frank III; stepsons, Aron and Armon Watson; his brothers, Johnny, Rodney, and Kevin; his sisters, Brenda, Joyce, Tanya ( Toni), and Lisa; his brothers- in- law, Shermanm M. Sammye, and Lemuel; his sisters- in- law, Zenobia ( DocZ), Althea, Gwynelle and Gloria; his grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

On January 9, 1947 in Pine Buff, Arkansas, Bernice and Frank Griffin welcomed their eldest son, Frank, Jr. When Frank turned 17, he served his country by joining the U. S. Army. Frank became a paratrooper during a time when African Americans were limited to what they could do. At the age of 22, Frank was honorably discharged.

Returning to Chicago, Frank became a correctional officer. Through the years he moved up the ranks and upon retiring he had served as Captain for several years. As a retiree, he worked part- time as a security officer at one of the local colleges. While working his part- time job he went to see his grandchildren in Arizona and got the Arizona bug. Arizona offered Frank what he wanted in life, a beautiful home, sunny days, time with his family and his wife. Frank enjoyed sports, his grandchildren, travel, and working on his computer. He loved doing puzzles to keep his mind sharp, reading, but most of all, his passion was music. Frank touched all of our lives and even in his final days, he was still the rock. Frank you are loved by your family and friends. You will be missed and not forgotten.

A viewing will be held at 10: 00 a. m. with a funeral at 11: 00, Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 1401 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85034. Interment will follow at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona at 1: 30 p. m. Condolences for the family may be left at www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com.