William “Bill” Early Griffin, 71

While in Richmond, William worked for R.F. &P. Railroad and then was transferred to Florida where he retired from CSX Railroad after an additional 30 years. Mr. Griffin was a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve where he served for eight years. He was a man of faith and a member of Hibernia Baptist Church where he was a substitute teacher in Sunday School. William loved the railroad, trains and was even known as a “train chaser” when he would race to the crossing to take pictures of the oncoming trains. He was an author of several railroad related books and enjoyed attending railroad shows and working with model railroads. In William’s own words, “We Be Rolling Now”.

Mr. Griffin is survived by his wife of 36 years, Jan Griffin; children, Trey (Lorna) Griffin, Nick (Tiffany) Griffin and Trisha (Chris) Futch; brother, Courtney (Sherrie) Griffin; grandchildren, Sydney, Noel, Branson, Larissa, Lindsey, Baylee, Landry, Brittany, Kelsey, and Erika, and three great grandchildren. William was preceded in death by his nephew Clay Griffin.

Memorial Services will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, January13, 2016 in Hibernia Baptist Church with Rev. Scott Yirka officiating.

Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720

A note from Nick:

Today the Lord called my father home and wrote his name in the Book of Life. William Early Griffin Jr. was not only a great man, but an even greater father. His solid relationship with the Lord was more than enough comfort for him, as well as our family – as we understand that “to be absent from the body is to be present in the Lord.” Even in his last days God used my father as a vessel yet again to change lives and mend broken relationships. An Army veteran of 8 years, he served his country and his family with honesty and integrity. I couldn’t be more proud of him, and feel more blessed to call this man my father. I love you dad.Revelation 21:4 KJV

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.