Obituary of Raymond I. "Redbeard" Griggs, Jr.
Raymond I. Griggs, Jr., “Redbeard,” age 64, of Millington, died Sunday, June 10, 2018. A funeral service will take place Thursday, June 14, 2018, at 1:00 pm at Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services in Mt. Morris. Deacon Tim Sodeman will officiate with cremation to follow. Raymond’s family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home Thursday, from 11:00 am until the time of service at 1:00 pm. Those desiring may consider memorial contributions to Wilderness Trails Zoo. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Redbeard was born January 16, 1954, in Nashville, Tennessee, the son of Mr. & Mrs. Raymond and Mary Elizabeth (Adams) Griggs. He and Deanna Baran were united in marriage on November 1, 1975. Raymond worked in the automotive industry at AC Spark Plug for seventeen years, until his retirement. He was also a member of the UAW Local #651. He also owned Redbeard’s Antiques for twenty years. In his free time, Redbeard enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, selling antiques, tearing down barns to sell lumber and barn wood.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Deanna; six children: Chris and wife, Mindy Aitken, Tracy Aitken, Sarah Griggs, Raymond Isaac Griggs, III, Jennifer Helms, and Ruby Caitlin Griggs; grandchildren; Christina Dunckel, Lauren Aitken, Mikayla Aitken, Trevor Wheaton, Kesten Coulter, Victoria Coulter, Morgan Aitken, Elijah Ill, Hailey Smith, Isaac Mullen, Shayne Smith, Cameron Wheaton, Kaley Wheaton, Raymond Isaac Griggs, IV, Shawn Helms, Jr., Landon Aitken, Lilian Oxford; great-grandchildren: Mason York, and Alexanderia Aitken; sisters: Pam and husband, Harold Brewer, Norma Jean and husband, Bobby Destifanes; brother Jimmy and wife, Charlotte Griggs; good friend, Jason Bender; and many nieces, nephews, and special friends.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth; brother Cy Phillip Griggs; and sister Beckey Griggs.