William Clyde Griffin

A graveside gathering for William will be held Monday, June 24, 2024 at 2:30 PM at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Richland, Washington.

William Clyde Griffin was born February 14, 1935 in Omaha Nebraska the only child to Henry and Wilma (Freeman) Griffin. He grew up in Richland Washington where he attended and graduated from Richland High School in 1954 where he played Basketball and Baseball.

After High School, he played baseball in the minor leagues, which lasted from, 1955-1962 in the states He was a left-handed pitcher, during his baseball career he started in single but played mostly AAA ball for Portland Beavers, Houston, Oklahoma City among others. Eventually in 1963 he played in the Japanese major league for the Osaka Buffaloes.

During that time, he married his high School sweetheart Carol Ritz on November 3, 1956. They lived the baseball life until 1963 when they settled down for good in Portland and bought a house. Bill worked for McCall Oil for 40 years from 1957 (part-time delivering oil in the winter off-season) to his retirement in 1997 working as the manager. He was a large part of their success with his work ethic and people skills. When he retired, he had NEVER taken a sick day. 40 years without using sick time but rather donating it to coworkers when they needed it.

They welcomed sons Scott and Cory and became a family of four. They built a home in Pleasant Valley on 5 acres where the boys attended Clackamas High School. Bill and Carol enjoyed Traveling and hosting friends. After retirement, Bill and Carol moved to Sisters Oregon where they enjoyed retired life for 26 years on their beautiful ranch eventually ending up back in Happy Valley at The Springs Retirement until Bill's death on June 17, 2024.

Bill was a friend to all; he was the kind of man you looked up to for his values and work ethic. He was kind and always had time to talk. He was skilled could fix just about anything and was happy to help others. The large amount of friends they called family is a testament to his character.

His beloved wife Carol, son Scott his daughter in law Marie and grandsons Casey and Chase, his son Cory, wife Jennifer and his granddaughters Lauren and Brooke survives Bill

Bill will be missed by all who loved him, and there are so many.