George C. Griffin

George "Red" Griffin, passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2013, peacefully in his own home at the age of 88. He was born in Speers Ferry, Virginia and lived his childhood in Kingsport, Tennessee. He enlisted and served proudly in the U.S. Navy for 4 years, 7 months & 27 days, as a Machinist Mate 3rd in the Asiatic Pacific, American Theater & Philippine liberation aboard troop transports and mine sweepers. His ship was anchored in Tokyo Bay the day the Japanese formally surrendered and signed peace. Upon leaving the service he went to work for the American Can Company in San Francisco as a production mechanic. When the plant closed in 1972, he was transferred to Hammond, IN. He retired after 39+ years as a Mechanical Engineer, setting up machinery for the 3-piece can in many countries. Upon retirement he moved back to California, and he worked for Orchard Supply Hardware on Sisk Road in Modesto from 1991 to 2011 after 20 years of service in the Plumbing Department. In 1959 George married his wife, Elinor (Elly), and they were married for 53+ years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lakie and Elijah Griffin, sisters: Pauline Griffin, Lucille Tranbarger, and Ruth Ferguson, and brother, Fred Griffin. George is survived by his wife, Elly, daughters: Christie (Danny) Corradetti, Daria (Chris) Rivera, and Linda Gold, son, Rick Griffin, 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Kenneth (Barbara) Griffin. Funeral services will be held at Lakewood Memorial Park and Funeral Home, visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 10th from 4-8:00 pm. chapel services on Thursday, April 11th, at 10:00 am.