Ernest Paul Griffin, Jr., also known as Maddog, Junebug, Junior, among other names died on Monday, May 22, 2023. Junior was the middle child and the only son of Ernest and Flossie Paul Griffin. He grew up in Lawrenceville and graduated from LTHS in 1965. He joined the US Navy after graduation and served on the USS Basilone until he was honorably discharged in 1968.
After his service in the Navy, he went to work at Texaco Refinery and worked there until it shut down in 1985. He then moved to Brighton, Illinois, and went to work for Owens Illinois until he retired and returned to Lawrenceville. In his later years, he enjoyed volunteering his time at the Sign of the Kingdom, where he found new friendships.
Junior was a past Commander and lifetime member of the Lawrenceville VFW and a lifetime member of the Lawrenceville Elks Lodge. He was also a member of the Vincennes American Legion, Moose, and 40&8. Junior participated in many Memorial Day and Veterans Day services and laid to rest many veterans who died before him. He also belonged to the Lawrence County Country Club, where he played many rounds of golf with friends over the years.
Junior is survived by a daughter, Regina Dillworth, Evansville; sister, Elaine Goins (Russ) and niece, Jessi Bowler (Mark), Lawrenceville; and nephews, Bill (Lisa), Larry, Gary (Joni), and Darren O’Grady.
Junior was preceded in death by his parents; older sister, Carolyn Griffin O’Grady; and two dogs, Ellie and Leggs.
Rest easy my brother, your work here is done.
Graveside services will be conducted on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 11:00 AM CDT at the Lawrenceville City Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Lawrence County Humane Society. Emmons-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, Illinois is in charge of the arrangements.
Please visit www.emmonsmaceysteffey.com to view the tribute and to send condolences.