Benjamin Franklin Griggs Jr.

Benjamin Franklin Griggs, Jr. (65) made his final journey to be with our Lord on Tuesday, December 26, 2016. He was born to Benjamin F. Griggs, Sr. and Louise (Griggs) Hunter on March 1, 1951 in Staten Island, New York.

He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Peggy; son, Gabriel; daughter, Kalonda; hanai daughter, Shameka (Nick) Edwards; mother, Louise Hunter; brothers, Levi Newton (Brenda), Melvin, Vencent (Astrida), Darryl, Kip; sisters, Roberta (Reggie) Barnes, Clidean Roberson, Melinda (Gary) Hemmings; six grandchildren; 15 nieces and nephews; 14 grandnephews and grandnieces.

He is preceded in death by his father, Benjamin F. Griggs, Sr.

Benjamin entered military service in 1970, serving 15 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and five years in the U.S. Army. He served two tours in Vietnam and also served in Operation Desert Storm. He retired from active duty in September 1992. He was a hardworking salesman with Mesa Ford and Dick Poe Chrysler for nearly nine years. He worked as an instructor at McGregor Range with Omega Training Group and The Logistics Company for five years. He attempted sales with Cutco and finally as a cashier at Spec’s Liquors on a part-time basis before retiring in October 2015 in order to take a 2-month vacation in China.

Benjamin was an avid bowler and fisherman. He was an active member of El Paso USBC and was on several bowling leagues: Veterans Mixed, Center Handicap, Fort Bliss Handicap, Meza Trophies Doubles and the Cosmos Keglers until his illness with brain cancer. He was a member of the Ascarate Fishing Club and loved teaching children how to fish. He was well liked and there was not one person he didn’t become close friends with. He will surely be missed by all.

Benjamin played an important role as a father figure to 13 foreign exchange students from Mongolia, Brazil, Germany, Norway, Thailand, Vietnam, and China.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 10, 2017 from 5 to 9pm with rosary at 7pm at Martin Funeral Home Central. Chapel Service will be held Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at 10am at Martin Funeral Home Central. Committal service will follow at 11am at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery with Military Honors.