Gabriel Wayne Griffin, loving father, husband, and patriot, passed away on October 4, 2019 at age 39. Gabe was born March 15, 1980 in Sioux City, Iowa, grew up in San Angelo, Texas, and moved to Tennessee after leaving active duty in 2005.
Gabe joined the United States Air Force in May of 1999 and was stationed at Dyess AFB where he served as a Security Forces K-9 Handler and completed four tours of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom along with multiple state-side secret service missions. Gabe trained and partnered with his loyal Military Working Dog (MWD) Zasko. While deployed, Gabe and Zasko were the tip of the spear, ensuring routes were clear of explosives and enemy combatants, paving the way for hundreds of US and Coalition Forces. Their actions directly contributed to saving thousands of lives and ensuring strategic strongholds were established.
Gabe’s valor was acknowledged with federal awards from the US Air Force, US Navy, and the US Marine Corp.
After serving on active duty for six years, Gabe’s passion to serve his country was fulfilled by joining the Tennessee Air National Guard 134th Security Forces Squadron where he completed an additional tour of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Gabe continued to serve honorably in multiple senior leadership roles. Gabe’s legacy will live in the Security Forces family through the defenders he mentored.
Gabe dedicated his life to service; he humbly served God, proudly served his country, and lovingly served his family.
Gabe held the key to his girls’ hearts – his wife, Jessica, and his daughter, Berkley. He was their hero and their biggest advocate. Gabe was Berkley’s dance partner, her duet partner, her sparring partner, her partner in crime, the source of many of her bad ideas, her teammate, her prince, her pet (whichever she chose for the day), her patient when she wanted to be a doctor, her wrestling opponent, her snuggle buddy, her Superman, and her biggest encourager. Gabe taught Berkley how to love others and show respect no matter how different people may be from her. He showed her what it meant to love your country, love people, and to love the Lord.
Gabe and Jessica were married for ten years and he was her heart. He made her laugh every single day. Gabe loved to push her buttons and then make her smile. Gabe loved Jess like no one else could. They built a home and a family together based on love and laughter that is unparalleled. They shared horrible jokes and off-color humor, often at inappropriate times. Gabe always found the good in situations and often reminded his lovely wife to do the same.
Gabe loved the Texas Rangers, the Tennessee Vols, and playing competitive volleyball. He had a sense of humor that could change the mood of any room. His quick wit and timing provided relief during the most awkward and stressful situations. In return, he had the ability to quickly make any situation awkward and tense. His positive outlook on life was contagious and impacted everyone he came in contact with.
Gabe is survived by his adoring wife, Jessica Griffin; his precious daughter, Berkley Griffin; proud and loving parents, Gary and Penny Griffin; sister, Marissa Tucker and her husband, Matt, and their children, Max and Marley Tucker; remarkable mother and father-in-law, Steve and Diane Buffalo; brother-in-law, Chad Buffalo and Jenna Scalf; special aunt Donna Caudill; amazing friend and sister wife, Brandy Ward; aunts; uncles; generations of cousins; a magnitude of friends; and an extended military family.
Gabe is preceded in death by grandparents, Gary and Dee Griffin and Lillian Miller-Meyers; sister, Jennifer Lee Caudill; uncle, Casey Caudill; and MWD Zasko.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Santa Cops (134th Security Forces Squadron) or Knoxville Connect Church.
