of Benton, AR

May 13, 1938 - August 24, 2024

Gerald Lawrence Griffin, 86, of Benton went to be with his Lord on August 24, 2024. He was born on May 13, 1938 in Austin, Arkansas to the late Lawson and Velma (Utley) Griffin.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Griffin on October 9, 2015 and by four brothers, Elton Griffin, Delton Griffin, J.C. Griffin and Virgil Griffin.

Early in his career, Gerald was an instructor at Philander Smith College and later taught math at Arkansas School for the Deaf. Over the next 40 years, Gerald was a Rehabilitation Counselor at the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services. As a counselor, Gerald assisted thousands of physically handicapped individuals in Saline County to develop new life skills and to discover new employment opportunities that would allow them to become more productive citizens and fulfill their God-given potential. In addition, Gerald worked as a part-time janitor for 25 years at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church to pay for his children's schooling, college education and family vacations.

Gerald was an active member of First Baptist Church in Benton. Previously, Gerald and Jean Griffin were longtime members at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church.

His last quote was ''To Know Christ, read John 3:16 and Romans 10:9-10 and Do What It Says''.

Survivors include one daughter, Debbie Bandimere (Dan); one son, Jeff Griffin (Becca); three grandsons, Andrew Griffin, Austin Griffin, Aden Griffin; one sister, Loetta Bradford (Will); one sister-in-law, Faye Hodnett and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 A.M. Saturday, September 7, 2024 in the Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be from 6:30 PM until 8:00 P.M. Friday, September 6, 2024. Interment will be in Pinecrest Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to the Arkansas Baptist Foundation, 10 Remington Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home
6700 Alcoa Road
Benton, AR  72019
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com