Gerald Griffin

October 9, 1945 - November 19, 2020

Gerald Griffin of Wynnewood, Oklahoma was born to George and Alene (Beavers) Griffin on October 9, 1945 in Rotan, Texas and passed from this life at age 75 years on November 19, 2020 in Norman, Oklahoma. Gerald is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth Griffin of their home in Wynnewood, sons Michael Pyle and wife Sue of Oklahoma City, Randy Pyle and wife Robin of Kingfisher, Mark Pyle and wife Kim of Edmond, Jerry Allen Beckenhauer, Guthrie, brother Greg Monroe and wife Denise of Dale, Oklahoma, sisters Vickie Bengs of Crescent and Pam Farris of Edmond. He was graced with ten grandchildren he cared for deeply: Julie Simon, Jenny Ludwig, Blake, Colton, Hunter, Madison, Braden, and Kortney Pyle, Tadra Mooney, Sarah Burris, and 9 great-grandchildren Reagan, Bennett, Corbyn, Wyatt, Stella, Grayson, Bronson, Kenna and Ryland along with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family, all of which he celebrated with great pride and love. Gerald attended school in Lamont, Oklahoma, and despite the worsening situation in Vietnam, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1963 where he trained at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. He served over 3 years and became a sergeant spending 13 months of active duty stationed at Cam Ranh Bay and Danang, Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division. While in a large cargo truck, he briefly leaned over to get his canteen when they came under fire. Gerald narrowly missed being fatally shot, becoming known as “The Lucky G.I.” After returning from Vietnam, Gerald served his community as part of the National Guard. He was awarded numerous medals during his service. For many years Gerald was a long-haul truck driver and later started his own pilot car business. A thoughtful and caring grandpa, Gerald always missed his family while on the road but it deepened his appreciation for the time he had. Besides spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren he adored taking care of his yard and planting beautiful flowers to brighten their home. Aside from his love for gardening he loved teaching himself woodworking and sharing those talents by making treasurers for his family. He spent time watching movies with his wife, Ruth and fishing. Gerald’s grandchildren, Hunter and Colton nicknamed him “GPJ” which is short for “Grandpa Jerry.” Gerald was preceded in death by his parents George Griffin and Alene Youngblood and grandsons Colton and Braden Pyle.