Mar. 1950 – Apr. 2019
Gary Dennis Griffin Sr. was born in Artesia, California in the winter of 1950. The family moved to Turlock in the mid 1950’s.
One of 13 children, Gary had his own style of humor. He was always telling jokes and he thought they were funny even if others didn’t. Gary enjoyed reading, watching movies and sitcoms. He loved to sing and he listened and sang to all kinds of different music from Johnny Cash to Big Bopper to the Rolling Stones. In his younger years Gary enjoyed lifting weights. Cindy’s restaurant was a favorite place to hang out and drink coffee with friends until his health declined.
Gary married Nancy in 1971 and they had two children, Gary Jr. and Denise. Nancy passed away in 2013.
Gary is survived by his children Gary Griffin Jr. and Denise Van Leuvan; grandchildren Caleb, Dylan, Joey, Allie, Kylie, Aiden and Danny; siblings Dolores, Carolyn, Randy, Douglas, Donnie, Darla and Bonnie. Gary was preceded in death by his wife Nancy and siblings Patsy, Orson, Larry, Rick and Terry.
A Memorial Service for Gary will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at Allen Mortuary. Please share your fun memories on this website.
Condolence(1)-
Darlene Espinola says
April 30, 2019 at 5:53 pmI am so very sorry for your loss. May Gary’s happy demeanor and smile give you comfort at this very difficult time.
My mom lives at Main West Post Acute Care so I saw Gary often and of course we always exchanged greetings…Gary didn’t know a stranger! He truly was a good guy!!
I wanted to share my favorite memory of Gary with you…it is still
so vivid in my mind. In the dining room, the staff had music playing…it was oldies. Gary was so enjoying himself…but then…the song, the Battle of New Orleans by Johnny Horton started playing! Gary was having the time of his life singing along…he knew every word…that was the happiest I’ve seen anyone in a long time!!!
So,Gary, my friend, smile and sing on. We’ll miss you.
Sincerely, Darlene Espinola