ELLSWORTH and MONROE, N.C. – Billy R. Griffin, 76, died Jan. 19, 2008, in Ellsworth. He was born June 2, 1931, in Southwest Harbor, the only son of Ray and Lillian Griffin. He attended schools in Northeast Harbor, Lamoine and Ellsworth, graduating in 1949 from Ellsworth High School. Billy had a wide range of working experiences. He grew up on a dairy farm, was a waiter in resort hotels in Florida and Vermont, and served with the U.S. Army in Korea. He owned and operated Griffin’s Barber Shop, was a sales-man for Prudential Life Insurance, and owned and operated Bill’s Place, a convenience store, for 27 years. He also owned and operated Shorelands Real Estate and finished his working life with Linnehan Investments from 1987 to 2008. Billy was very proud of his military career. He served in Korea from 1952 to 1954 and was awarded the Bronze Star. He attained the rank of sergeant first class and was discharged from active duty in 1954. He then served for 28 years in the Maine National Guard, holding positions of Recruit Training NCO, First Sergeant, Group Sergeant Major and in 1962, was commissioned as a warrant officer and served as food advisor to Maine Guard Units for the next 20 years, retiring in 1982 with the rank of chief warrant officer 4, with 30 years of service. He was very active in civic, social and professional groups, having served as president of Hancock County Snowmobile Club, president of Hancock County Riding Club, member of Ellsworth Rotary, a director on the Maine Board of Realtors, served as president of Hancock/Washington County Board of Realtors and was one of the founding members of Jordan River Country Club. Billy served two terms as president of Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce and remained always proud of the chambers accomplishments during his tenure; such as the new chambers office building being constructed, the first full time director was hired, Riverfront Marina was developed and then deeded to the City, property had been purchased by the chamber years before. Much of the construction of the marina was by the Maine Army National Guard during a two-week period, plus a few weekends. Also the Annual Top Drawer Award was started and continues to this day, and the Annual Autumn Gold Event was started and remains as a very viable and visible event to this day also. He is survived by one son, Harvey R. Griffin of Monroe N.C.; three sisters, Joy G. Mayo and Betty Ray, both of Ellsworth and Alice Upton of Lamoine; his former wife and best friend, Charlene G. Cameron of Trenton; a special friend, who stayed by him at the end, Charlotte Davis of Ellsworth; many nieces, nephews and cousins in Maine and Monroe, N.C. He was predeceased by Eleanor L. Theobald, his faithful and loving companion for 38 years. At Billy’s request, there will be no services, and it is his wish that you remember him as he may have touched your life. Billy often remarked that he had no memory of ever having lost a friend. Burial will be in the family lot at Forest Hill Cemetery, Lamoine, in the spring of this year. Arrangements under the care of Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth. Condolences may be expressed online at www.jordanfernald.com.
BILLY R. GRIFFIN
