Retired Master Sgt. Abron Griffin, Sr., passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 24, 2007 at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. He was born February 25, 1935 to Alice Gilmore and Floyd Griffin in Duncan, Mississippi. Mr. Griffin was a retired Master Sergeant, Army Airborne Ranger having served with the Army 82nd Airborne, 17th Cav. While serving his country, Mr. Griffin received among his many awards and decorations, the Parachute Badge, Ranger Tab, Master Parachute badge and the Purple Heart. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and served as an Armor Intelligence Specialist. He graduated from Forsyth Technical Community College with a Horticulturist degree. He was a former long distance road driver for McLean Trucking Company and was presently the President/Owner of The Grasscutters, Inc., a Professional Lawn Care and Landscaping Company which he started and had run for the past 30 years. Mr. Griffin was a long time dedicated member of United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church where he

served in the Active Adult Ministry. Mr. Griffin was also an avid golfer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Henry Griffin and Floyd Griffin and one foster son, Alexander Gregory.

He leaves to cherish his memories his devoted and loving wife of 31 years, Ruby Cole Griffin of the home; a son, Abron Griffin Jr. of Blowing Rock, NC; a sister, Alice Faye (Henry) Green of Clarksdale, MS; a brother, Edgar B. (Sollie) Griffin of Richmond, TX; sisters-in-law, Mildred Griffin of St. Louis, MO, Emma C. Ingram and Ann C. Galloway of Winston-Salem, NC, and Barbara Surratt of Shelby, NC; brothers-in-law, Willie (Gwen) Cole and Joel (Frances) Cole of Winston-Salem, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, and dear friend to many.

Funeral services will be held at 1 pm Friday, March 2, 2007 at United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Prince Raney Rivers officiating. Entombment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Gardens. Family visitation will be held from 12 Noon until 1 pm Friday at the church.