Richard Asbury Griffin, 83, of Tulsa, died Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at Franciscan Villa surrounded by family. Born Oct 16, 1933 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he was the son of the late George and Eleanor (Griffith) Griffin.

Richard was the youngest of three children. In his early years upon losing his father, he went to live with his grandfather C.E. Griffith on his farm, Mount Riga in Vinita, Oklahoma. He loved farm life and had countless stories of the dairy farm, the champion dogs, and Grandpa's prize-winning bull. After graduating from Subiaco Academy in Arkansas, Richard attended the University of Tulsa, graduating in 1956 with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. He was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. The following September, he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Ft. Meade Maryland in air defense artillery. He went on to serve many years in the Army Reserves.

Richard loved sailing, and one fateful time on his boat with friends, he met Deanna Bossé, the woman he would marry in 1962 at Sacred Heart Church in Massena, New York. As a career, he worked for White Advertising, Knapp Advertising, Donrey Outdoor Advertising, and later, was self-employed. He was a member, and served as president, of the Tulsa Ad Club, and was also a long-time member of Kiwanis Club.

The energy Richard poured into his family created a home of faith and fun. There was always a large garden in the spring and summer, and he built a greenhouse for the winter vegetables. He was an avid beekeeper, he made his own beer, and his homemade vanilla ice cream recipe was kept secret for years. He loved sailing with his grandchildren, attending Tulsa Oiler hockey games, and football in any form. He was devoted to his children's endeavors whether soccer or basketball, ballet or music. He loved photography; old barns were one of his favorite subjects. Richard enjoyed traveling and took trips to Ireland with his children and grandchildren. He was a longtime member of Victory Christian Center, as well as his men's Bible study with many lifelong friends. He read through the Bible each year; faithfully reading his daily scriptures up to the end. It was the compass for how he lived.

He is survived by his son, Bennett Griffin of Tulsa, daughters, Andrea (Robert) Jobe of Tulsa, Jessica (Thomas) Holtzscher of Tulsa, Sophia Griffin, Woburn, England, Carolyn (James) Dixon of Encinitas, California, and his son, Ron (Lucia) Griffin, Avant, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Ean and Evan Kerby, Haley, Christian, Aidan, and Griffin Holtzscher, Juliette, Sebastian, and Josephine Jobe, Avalon and Guinevere Fisk, Wilton Dixon, Katherine, Patrick, Emmitt, and Joseph Griffin; great-grandchild, Vivian Kerby; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Deanna, and his sisters Mary Muller and Patricia Migala,

The family wishes to thank the staff of St. Francis Hospital, Franciscan Villa, Cura Hospice, and Senior Helpers.

Memorial service for Richard Griffin will be at 10am, Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at Believers Church 4705 S. Memorial Dr., Tulsa, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Shepherds Fold Ranch, P.O. Box 39 Avant, Oklahoma 74001, a place dear to Richard and the family.