Ray Earl Griffith went home to be with the Lord on October 28, 2026, following a brief illness. He was born on April 26, 1950, in Iaeger, West Virginia, and was affectionately known as “Bulls-eye” to his family.

Ray was a devoted Christian and longtime member of South River Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as an usher and a long time member of his Sunday school class. He loved Jesus and cherished his family above all else.

Ray had a lifelong passion for trout fishing and never missed opening day. Fishing was more than a hobby to Ray; it was something he loved sharing with the people closest to him. He made sure all three of his grandchildren learned not only how to fish, but how to clean their catch, too. He had a knack for fixing just about anything that was broken, and there wasn’t much he couldn’t figure out. He enjoyed watching westerns, traveling across the country in his RV, and taking in the beauty of the mountains. Some of his favorite mountains were the ones in Colorado that were surrounded by trout streams! A few of his sweetest moments were the simple ones spent with his beloved wife, Dianne, riding along the Blue Ridge Parkway or relaxing together at their mountain cabin, enjoying the peaceful views from the back deck. Those quiet moments together were a reflection of the love they shared and the life they built side by side.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Dianne Griffith; his daughter, Shana Brooks (Edward); his grandchildren, Faith Woodard (Trae), Anna-Grace Brooks, and Luke Brooks (Abigail); and his great-grandson, Brooks Woodard.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Elsie and Thurmond Griffith, and his ten siblings.

Though his family will deeply miss his laughter, dry wit, steady presence, helpful hands, and the simple joys of having him near, they find comfort in knowing that Ray is now home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His life was filled with faith, adventure, and, most importantly, love. The lessons he taught, the memories he made, and the love he gave will continue to live on through the generations of his family.

A memorial service will be held at 2PM Sunday November 1, 2026 at Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Chris Thompson officiating.