Ray E. Griffith's Obituary
Ray E. Griffith, age 91, passed away early Thursday morning, July 22, 2021 at home. He was born on November 2, 1929 to John and Bertie (Adams) Griffith in Kentenia, KY. He was a proud veteran serving his country in the U.S. Navy for four years as an Aerographer’s Mate First Class during the Korean War. Ray graduated from the University of Maryland in 1959, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. He then received his professional engineering license while working at Standard Oil. After leaving Standard Oil of Ohio, he was employed by Chemstrand Chemical in Decatur, AL, Monsanto Chemical, in St Louis, MO and Ott Chemical in Muskegon, MI. After the closure of Ott Chemical, Ray decided to open his own business called Instrument Engineering, where he worked until his retirement in 1999. On March 8, 1997 he married the former Norene Upson-Botten in Muskegon, MI. Together they cherished 24 years of marriage full of love, laughter and endless memories. Ray was a man gifted with many talents of all genres. He was an avid golfer, skier and fisherman. He had a passion for the arts and was a skilled painter and poet. Ray enjoyed dancing and was a member of the Lumbertown Cloggers, Cedar Creek Cloggers and the West Michigan Bootscooters. He was a patient and kind mannered man who was always willing to help others and loved spending time with his family and friends. He was especially fond of his constant canine companion Brady Lou. Ray was the type of man who could fill a room with laughter with his sense of humor. His tender-loving and gracious spirit will truly be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife, Norene (Upson-Botten) Griffith; 2 sons, Raymond “Scott” (Lori) Griffith and Jeffrey (Lynette) Griffith; mother of Scott and Jeffrey, Rose Tipton; 2 step-children, Brenda Lee (Richard) Hodge Jr and James (Sheila) Botten; 4 grandchildren, Allison Griffith, Danielle Griffith, Ashley Griffith and Hudson Griffith; mother of Allison and Danielle, Nancy Hall; 7 step-grandchildren, Allison (Kevin) Harrington, Brandon (Kelly) Karis, Britney Karis, Richard Hodge III, Zachary (Kelsey) Hodge, Kevin Hodge and Olivia Botten; 10 step-great-grandchildren, Lauren Harrington, Aubree Karis, Morganne Karis, Karleigh Karis, Khloe Karis, Calyn Karis, Liam Hodge, Emerson Hodge, Ava Bentley and Madden Bentley; brother, Jerry (Anne) Griffith; niece, MaryHolly (Ben) Crosby; and 1st practice grandchild, Terry Upson. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, June (Jim) Barrett; 2 brothers, William (Louise) Griffith and Eugene (Fayetta) Griffith; step-daughter, Debra (Mark) Karis; and nephew Arthur Allison. A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. A visitation with the family will be held one-hour prior. Memorial contributions in Ray’s honor can be made directly to Grace Hospice. Please share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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