Ralph Clayton GRIFFITH

McMinnville resident and Davidson County native Ralph Clayton Griffith, age 79, was born June 4, 1929 and died July 16, 2008 at his residence following a brief illness. He was owner/operator of Ole South Carpet for 30 years. He also owned and operated a laundry mat during the 1960's and served as the McMinnville Police Chief 1969-1975. He was a member of Dibrell Church of Christ where he had served as an Elder for thirty five years. He is the son of the late Chester Clayton and Edith Ioda Cantrell Griffith. He was married April 28, 1951 to Joyce Turner Griffith of McMinnville. In addition to his wife he is also survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Bruce Tuner and Sherry Griffith of McMinnville; Randall Clayton and Vickie Griffith of Dibrell, TN; and Brent Eugene and Dawn Griffith of McMinnville; one daughter and son-in-law, Leigh Ann and Todd Strange of McMinnville; grandchildren and spouses, Benjie and Kristy Griffith, Kayla Griffith, Nathan Clayton Griffith, Justin Griffith, Tara and Jamie Stanton, Lucus Griffith and fiancée Kristen Blackburn, Lindsey Griffith, Lacey Griffith, Nikki and Blaka Reynolds, Casey and Brittany Fults, Cole Crim and Quinn Crim, all of McMinnville; ten great-grandchildren; aunt, Frances Holcomb of McMinnville; several cousins and other family members and friends also survive. Funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 19, 2008 in High's Chapel with Brian Wynne and Bill Walkup officiating. Burial followed in the Gardens of Memory.