Charles Griffin

Charles Alfred Griffin

Charles Alfred Griffin, age 82, passed away in Roswell, New Mexico on March 13, 2025. Charles was born in Corsicana, Texas on October 3, 1942, to his father, Leo Griffin and his mother Freda Ione Garrett.

Charles graduated from high school in Levelland, Texas in 1961. Later in his life he completed a course in aircraft mechanics. In 1971, Charles married the love of his life, Ann Patterson. She brought her two daughters, Rita and Paula to the marriage, who were then, at that time, 6 and 7 years old. They were blessed with another daughter, Lisa Ann, in 1972. The family resided in Abilene, Texas while Charles worked in auto parts. In 1978, the family moved to Lovington, New Mexico where he was employed at Climax Chemical Plant. In 2000, Charles and Ann moved to Gainesville, Texas were he worked for the City of Gainesville. Upon his retirement in 2010, they decided to move to Roswell, New Mexico to be closer to their daughters, and they resided there until his passing.

For all of Charles’ life, he was an avid car and motorcycle lover, and he had a real talent for flipping cars. Charles would watch the Barret Car Auction for hours every chance he had and could tell you every make and model of any vehicle he ever saw. He also loved camping, fishing, and playing dominoes. He enjoyed his grand-children and great grand-children very much. 

Charles was preceded in death by his daughter Lisa Ann Griffin; Father Leo Griffin; Mother Freda Ione Griffin; Sisters Geneva NeSmith, Norma Jetton, and Linda Bliss; Brother Ronnie Griffin; and son in-law Mike Valdez.

Charles’ memory lives on in his beloved wife, Ann Griffin of Roswell, NM; Daughters Rita Valdez of Ruidoso, NM and Paula Terry (Danny) of Portales, NM; Nephews Benny Bliss of Snyder, TX and Kenny Davis of Lubbock, TX; Nieces Cindy de Herrera of Fort Worth, TX and Kathy Gersteinberger of Lubbock, TX; Charles was Papa to 5 Grandchildren, Guy Griffin (Alice) of Cuba, NM, Cody Griffin of Austin, TX, Amanda Bonner (Jake) of Portales, NM, Zachary Terry of Portales, NM, and Kacie Fine (River) of Nashville, TN; And 5 great grandchildren, Ryder Eric Griffin of Cuba, NM, Peyson Clay Bonner, Sadie Kay Bonner, Laynie Brooke Bonner all three of Portales, NM, and Rowan Knox Fine of Nashville, TN.

Honorary pallbearers for Charles are Zachary Terry, Guy Griffin and Cody Griffin.

A memorial service will be held in Charles’ honor on Friday, March 21, 2025, 2:00 PM, at Ballard Funeral Home in Roswell, NM.

Online memorial contributions can be made at www.ballardfuneralhome.com