Gary “Grif” Griffin, age 65, passed away on Sunday, July 3, 2022 in Dallas. Family will host a visitation from 6 to 8 pm Friday, July 8th at Heartland Funeral Home in Early. A graveside service will be held at 10 am Saturday at Jenkin Springs Cemetery.
Gary was born July 7, 1956 in Logan, Utah to William and Joan Griffin.
Gary was raised on a dairy farm in Newton, Utah. As a youngster, he was responsible for a wide range of chores, such as feeding calves, milking cows, hauling hay, and other farm duties. Roller skating and playing the accordion were two activities he was regularly involved in as a youngster.
Gary and his family moved to Texas in 1972. During his teenage years, he excelled in basketball and football. As a young adult, he started out working in an HVAC business. He would later start his own HVAC company, which became very successful. He also went on to start his own construction company. That too would become very profitable. The last several years of his life he was a handyman. He had no problem bragging about being “the handyman.”
He succeeded at whatever he put his mind to. Cooking and grilling were two of his favorite hobbies. Anyone who knew him was amazed by his ability to cook, grill, and smoke ribs, brisket, and chicken. He had these skills down to a fine art. It’s quite possible he missed his calling as a barbecue chef! He found a lot of pleasure in sharing recipes and the food he prepared. He was never one to let anyone go home hungry.
Being an outstanding pool player was another one of his favorite hobbies that he was not shy about acknowledging. Many people could attest to his noticeable skills by having been on the losing side of his winning streaks.
Gary had a great sense of humor and was always willing to help out a friend in need. He was extremely proud of his son, Justin, and grandson, Jacob. Along with his devotion to Grace, family, and friends, he was not ashamed to talk about his great love for his last three dogs. They were a huge part of his life as well.
He is preceded in death by his parents and nephew Peter Sal Mascorro.
Gary is survived by his son, Justin Griffin of Spring, TX; girlfriend, Gracee Kehler of Venus, TX; brother Dennis Kay Griffin of Wichita Falls, TX; 2 sisters, JaneAnn Mehta of Richardson, TX and Melanie Griffin of Brownwood, TX;1 grandchild; several aunts, uncles, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Online condolences, memories and tributes can be made to the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net.
