1958–2024
Dr. Randall Glen Griffin, age 65, a well-known, highly respected dentist, devoted husband, and beloved “daddy,” passed away peacefully at his home Thursday, September 12, 2024. This remarkable man, in the latter years of his life, bravely faced the challenges of frontotemporal dementia.
Randall was born at the army base Fort Polk in DeRidder, Louisiana, on October 31, 1958, to Edward Harrell Griffin and Judy Stoker Boatman. The family settled in Mesquite, Texas, where Randall attended and graduated early from Mesquite High School in 1976.
From an early age, Randall showed great interest and talent in the sport of tennis and was ranked in the top eight in the state of Texas as a senior in high school. A fine tennis player himself, Dr. Dwight Vines, President of Northeast Louisiana University (now ULM), in Monroe, La., heard of this young Texas player and sought to have a little meeting on the court in Mesquite. After a quick and unparalleled tennis match between the two (6-0, 6-0), a winded Dr. Vines offered Randall a full scholarship to become a member of the Northeast team.
Randall played four years at college, all while maintaining perfect academic grades in the field of science and chemistry. Earning a Bachelor of Science in biology and zoology, Randall graduated summa cum laude and immediately applied to dental school at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio, Texas, where he was accepted and began studies in 1981.
Before leaving for his professional school venture, he proposed to the love of his life, Gayla Jane Burnham, after their threeyear romance at college. Randall and Gayla married June 12, 1982, in Springhill, Louisiana. Returning to San Antonio to complete his higher education, Randall earned, with honors, his professional degree in Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS).
After graduating, Dr. Griffin was selected to attend the prestigious oneyear general practice residency for the United States Air Force at Davis-Monthan AFB, Tucson, Arizona, where he would be exposed to and trained in all the various fields/ specialties of dentistry. No one could deny this gentleman’s passion for learning.
Owing the USAF a twoyear commitment, Dr. Griffin and Gayla traveled to Dyess, Air Force Base, Abilene, Texas, to satisfy that obligation. Abilene was where their first daughter, Rachel Leigh, was born in 1987. Life was abundantly full in Abilene as Dr. Griffin loved everything about serving our country. His focus was aerospace dentistry for the USAF pilots and senior officers as far up as the Pentagon.
On occasion, he and Gayla would be flown to missions at other air force bases via a KC-135, where they were privileged to be aboard and witness from the flying boom control pit, the aerial refueling of an F-16 fighter jet midair. The “thrill was real” as Dr. Griffin would describe. Dr. Griffin embraced the honor of serving his country while dedicating his time, skill and passion for others’ well-being. His USAF rise in rank from captain to major, to lieutenant colonel, to Chief of Dental Services and then to Commander of the Hospital Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, speaks volumes of his extraordinary desire to always excel.
This delightful life in Abilene was soon met with an offer from Floydada, Texas. Learning there was a need to continue dental care for a community and the surrounding area of a retiring dentist, Dr. Andrew McCulley, Dr. Griffin accepted the task to relocate his family in 1988 to serve in the small municipality in Floyd County alongside his cherished friend and professional cohort, Dr. Charles Craig.
The Griffins embarked on their life in Floydada and quickly became immersed in community, church, school and social activities. In 1990 and 1994, they expanded their family with two more daughters, Emily Ruth and Hannah Rhea. Dr. Griffin exhibited a remarkable zest for life and an unwavering commitment to helping others. He was a true example of a model citizen and a profoundly decent man. Renowned for his gentle touch and perfection in his profession, he touched thousands of lives with his warmth, wisdom, laughter, and limitless energy in and outside of his private, family- focused dental practice.
A proud achievement, successful accomplishment, and dream of his was constructing a beautiful new dental clinic in Floydada for his loyal patients to enjoy. Consider yourself fortunate if you were ever a “guest” in one of his soft leather “recliners” in this modern, innovative facility.
Famous for his unique style of pranking his favorite people, Dr. Griffin also possessed an infinite blend of compassion, intelligence and thoughtfulness. His humor and antics never subsided, even after his early retirement following 34 years of dedicated servanthood.
Among a few of his many accolades, recognitions and awards were serving as deacon at First Baptist Church, Floydada, president of the Floydada Chamber of Commerce, president of the South Plains District Dental Society, active member and delegate of the ADA and TDA, recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal and Air Force Achievement and Commendation medals, expert dental provider/ advisor for several community health organizations, facilitator of medical operations for U.S. South Com in Cajamarca, Peru, and receiver of abundant military decorations, honors, ribbons and badges.
Although Dr. Griffin treasured his relationships with his patients, staff and dearest friends, his first love and priority were for his wife and three daughters. He was an inspiring role model, trusted and loyal friend and an adventurous and joyful father and husband. Until his health began to cast a shadow in his later years, he still displayed the durable strength and grace that was characteristic of his entire life. His wife and daughters learned about the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity and trials as they closely attended and cared for their loved one.
Never did Dr. Griffin relinquish his unshakeable faith, courage and resilience. His honor and boundless generosity, patience and unconditional love will never diminish, leaving us with an enduring essence and innumerable memories of his rich, vibrant tapestry of life. It is the family’s opinion that Dr. Griffin’s final engaging yet endearing phrase he could mutter on earth, “Good to see ya,” was perhaps the very first phrase he spoke upon his arrival seeing Jesus. May he rest now in the peace he so richly deserves, knowing his life’s journey was one of purpose, love, and profound impact.
Dr. Griffin was preceded in death by his father, Harrell Griffin, and wife, Brenda, and his mother, Judy Boatman.
In addition to his wife, Gayla, of 42 years, Dr. Griffin is survived by his three daughters, Dr. Rachel Griffin Rogers and husband, Jeremiah, of McKinney, Texas; Emily Griffin, of Huntersville, N.C.; and Hannah Griffin, of Frisco, Texas; brother, Michael Griffin and wife, Anne Marie, of Seattle, Washington; sister, Allison Griffin, of Irving, Texas; sister Janet Talbott and husband Todd, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; father-in-law, Dr. Ray Burnham of Springhill, Louisiana; and many more loving brothers- and sistersin law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
There are no words that can fully express how relieved the family was to have Rosary Perez (with Cornerstone Caregiving of Lubbock) share her faithful assistance and personal care for Dr. G in his final years. Her undeniable loyalty and consistent presence were a tremendous support to the family. The Griffin family also expresses their sincere thanks and gratitude to Shonda Guthrie and the entire staff of Interim Hospice Care for their loving, attentive aid, and concern for Dr. Griffin. To their supreme dear friends and neighbors who have called, visited, written notes and letters of sympathy and encouragement, sent gifts, flowers, food, and committed numerous acts of kindness, the Griffin family is beyond humbled by your bountiful graciousness and outpouring of love, and they extend their warm, heartfelt appreciation. The family feels so blessed and fortified by your sincere compassion and interminable love.
Dr. Griffin was a fervent enthusiast of the church musicians, so his family requests that any charitable donations be designated to the Music Ministry of First Baptist Church as a remembrance of his illuminating love and spirited persona. First Baptist Church, 401 South Main St., Floydada, Texas 79235.
Celebration of Life services will be at First Baptist Church, Floydada, Texas, on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. under the direction of Moore-Rose Funeral Home.
Cremation services were provided by Lake Ridge Chapel & Memorial Designs, Lubbock, Texas.