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
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4 Condolence(s)
Doyle & Donna Dillahunty
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Debbie & Jeff so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. Debbie, it thrilled me to read of your reconciliation with your dad. Doyle and I enjoyed being in Married Sunday School Class with your dad and mom many years ago in Little Rock. Jeff, our youngest daughter, Deah and her family, lived in Mandeville for seven years. They are now in Conway and we moved here last fall. We have another funeral on Saturday and we probably can’t make it to Benton. Our prayers are with you. Donna & Doyle Dillahunty
Betty Schultz
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Wife Jean befriended me just after moving to Arkansas at a FBC Wednesday night supper. The four of us became friends and enjoyed going to hear Southern Baptist Quartet music together. I called Gerald "Lawrence " because that is how Jean called him. He was a very wise man and always had some wisdom to share. Prayers for Jeff and Debbie and families.
Deb Bandimere
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Things are not always as they appear. But at least I had the privilege to clear the air with my dad a few minutes before he died and verbally walk him home. I gave him that gift & I’ll always be grateful I could do that.
Tammie Walpole
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Sorry to hear about Mr. Griffin . He was one of the wisest, and kindest person I had ever met. He helped me back in the 80's, to pursue a career in nursing... although Lol , he thought I would make a great secretary. Lol I almost changed my mind, and several years later , I wish I had listened, to this wise man. He also was a good jokester. He always made it a point to make people laugh. I will pray for comfort for the family. No doubt his shoes could never be refiled, because he truly was one of a kind. May God bless you all.