Joseph Griffin, Jr.
October 17, 1941 - September 3, 2021

Joseph Griffin, Jr. was born October 17, 1941 in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the only child born to Joseph Griffin, Sr. and Elizabeth Gray-Griffin. He was raised by his paternal grandmother, Nellie Fitts Warfield after his father went off to the army; at age 15 he moved to Chicago to be with his father. Joseph, Jr. went to Hyde Park High School; he graduated in 1960 and later that year he married Beverly Griffin; his father married Dolores Griffin in 1973. Soon after high school, Joseph, Jr. began his career in welding with the City of Chicago in the Navy ship yard; this was his prized career and he was a welder for close to 2 decades. Joseph Jr. retired in 1984, he loved to show off the buildings he helped construct in the City of Chicago.

Joseph Griffin, Jr. met his current wife Ruby in 1981; they were together in holy matrimony for 40 years. He attended Kennedy King College in 1986 to expand his education knowledge; upon completion he began driving school buses for Cook County in the City of Chicago. He retired from driving the buses in 2006. Joseph Jr. accepted Christ at an early age during his childhood. Having always been a part of the Christian faith, he was an active member of Carter Temple C.M.E. Church on Chicago's southside under the direction of Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr. He often volunteered in the Men's Ministry, would often help with cooking and driving the church bus to pick up people at the shelters to bring them for food and to hear the Word of God. He was certified under Bishop Williamson as a One Church/One Church volunteer in August of 1997. He currently was a member of New Creation Church of San Diego.

Joseph Griffin, Jr. was a beloved member of Chicago's musical circuit. He was affectionately known as "Timbale Joe" as he played timbales in the clubs with his band "The Joe Griffin Review". He played timbales at 63rd Street Beach with other members of his musical circuit. In addition to timbales, he wrote and produced songs; played drums and was a lead singer.

Joseph Griffin, Jr. was preceded in death by his grandmother Nellie Fitts Warfield; parents Joseph and Elizabeth Griffin; sister Vickie. He leaves to cherish his memory wife Ruby Griffin; son Joey (Dionne) Richmond; daughters Jennifer (Darrell) Griffin-Dillon; Felicia; step-mom Dolores Griffin; sisters Valerie and Kristine; brothers Vincent (Keisha); Kevin (Shelia) and Victor; grandchildren Marshay (Emmonie); Joey, jr.; Dylaan; Josiah; Cordero; Tyonne; Jennijah; Alayjah; Elijah-Blue and De'Lanii; great grandchildren Ella and Tru; and a host of other beloved family and friends.

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