Colbert Raymond "Ray" McGriff, Jr.

Colbert Raymond "Ray" McGriff, Jr.s journey through this existence ended Oct. 26, 2007, in Dothan after a courageous battle with cancer. The body was cremated. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007 at 2 p.m. from the chapel at Ward Wilson Funeral Homes new location at 2414 Hartford Hwy. located at Memory Hill Cemetery with Frank Hatcher officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials my be made to The American Cancer Society, 2346 W. Main St. Suite 3, Dothan, AL, 36301 or to Covenant Hospice, 2855 Ross Clark Circle, Suite 110, Dothan, AL, 36301. Mr. McGriff began his journey in this existence at Moody Hospital in Dothan on March 30, 1944, being born to Colbert Raymond "Bookie" and Wilma Chambers McGriff. He was raised in Dothan and graduated from Dothan High School. Ray was involved in the electrical construction industry most of his life. He was employed with Consolidated Electrical Contractors and Engineers as Design Manager. Ray was previously employed with Daniels Construction Company (Flour Daniel) as Construction Engineer. Ray led a varied and interesting life having many interests. Ray was well known as a lover of gadgets and technology and bought any gadget that roused his interest. Ray loved the outdoors and was an avid tent camper. Ray served as Assistant Scoutmaster and Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 106 during the 70s and 80s and completed the Boy Scout "Wood Badge" adult leadership training. Ray often said some of happiest and most fulfilling moments occurred during his scouting activities. Ray was raised as a Methodist and many years ago realized his personal religious beliefs clashed with those he was raised with. Ray discovered Nichiren Buddhism after much searching and study of different religions. Ray was a longstanding member of the Soka Gakkai International a Buddhist laity organization. Ray was a devout practitioner of Nichiren until his death. His parents, Colbert Raymond and Wilma Chamber McGriff, predeceased Ray. Rays favorite thing in life was being a kind and loving father and grandfather. He was proud of his family and leaves to cherish his memory one son, Jonathan McGriff and wife Melanie of Samson; two daughters, Meredith Chapman and husband John of Tyndall AFB, Fla.; Allison McGriff of Samson; nine grandchildren, Sarah Jessica Brasington, Abigail Brasington, Ramsie Brasington, Haley McAdams, Alexandra McGriff, Elizabeth McGriff, Madison McGriff, Sean McGriff and Jordyn McGriff; and two step-grandchildren, Xachary Chapman and Sarah Carin Chapman; his two brothers, Danny McGriff and wife Jo, David McGriff and wife Christine; and his sister, Carole Barrentine and husband Jimmy. The family would like to express their gratitude to Covenant Hospice for their love and care during Rays illness. Ward-Wilson Funeral Home, (334) 792-4194, is in charge of arrangements.