Johnny Ray Griggs

Johnny Ray Griggs, 78, of Alvarado, Texas, passed away on February 28, 2025, in Ft. Worth, Texas, the city where he was born and raised.

Johnny was the son of Frank Ray and Alma Bernice (Wilson) Griggs. He grew up on the south side of Fort Worth and spent part of his childhood in Germany while his father served in the U.S. Army. After graduating from Trimble Tech High School, he proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

In 1968, Johnny married the love of his life, Laurette, beginning 56 years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with love and adventure, raising their two children, Brian and Allison. From coaching little league baseball to traveling the world with Laurette he never met a stranger and always left an impression.

Johnny had a gift for connecting with people, which made him a natural salesman. He spent his career selling diesel engines for Cummins and Southwest International, building relationships and friendships that lasted a lifetime. When he wasn’t working, he was outdoors working in the yard, playing golf, hunting or fishing. He was often found under the hood of a hot rod or at a car show, where he could spend hours admiring classic cars & trucks and swapping stories of the good ol days. In his retirement he enjoyed hunting in his heaven on earth in Comanche, being outdoors, or enjoying Grandpa adventures with his best friend and grandson, Grady. The last year of his life he was devoted as an amazing caregiver for his wife as she healed from her stroke.

Known affectionately as Big John in his later years he will be remembered for his welcoming spirit, his unwavering work ethic, and his devotion to his family. Johnny was known for being strong-willed, opinionated, and stubborn, but he never backed down from what he thought was right, always stood firm in his beliefs and you knew his hand shake was worth its weight in gold and his word was his bond. His humor, wisdom, and larger-than-life presence will be deeply missed. This spirit will live on in the hearts of all of those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his better half and wife, Laurette; his daughter, Allison (Thomas) Gross; his grandchildren, Grady and Gracelynn Gross, and his dog Charlie. He is proceeded in death by his son John Brian. He also leaves behind his siblings, Brenda Smith (Jackie Hulsey), Kennie (Debbie) Griggs, and Ronnie (Missi) Griggs; and his granddaughters, Emily and Hannah Griggs. Johnny is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, including his nephew Jake Griggs, whose care and companionship over the last year was a great comfort to him. As well as numerous friends who were like family and hold him in high regard like their own blood.

A service to celebrate Johnny’s life will be held at Shepherds Valley Cowboy Church in Alvarado on Saturday March 15th at 2:00 where camouflage and hot rods are welcomed and encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Wings of Hope Equitherapy (wingsofhopehorses.org) or Black Dog Charity (blackdogcharity.org)