SSgt. Alfred Martin Griffin (USMC retired), 64, of Palatka entered the sunset of life on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at his residence following an extended illness. Alfred was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 31, 1947, to Charles and Edith (Gaskin) Griffin. He was a graduate of Central Academy Class of 1965. He was employed by the Federal government briefly before being drafted into the U. S. Marines on May 9, 1966. He enlisted and continued to serve our great nation during the Vietnam Era and earned an honorable discharge on September 30, 1979. On June 2, 1984, he united in holy matrimony to the former Glorious White in Ridgeland, SC and they relocated to Orlando in 1987, later returning home to Palatka in 2000. He was a member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. As a civilian, Alfred was a tour bus driver, employed by Mears Transportation of Orlando for twelve years.

He was preceded in eternal rest by his parents; Charles and Edith Griffin, 4 brothers and 4 sisters; and grandson, Anthony Peterson.

To Cherish his memories; a devoted and loving wife of 27 years, Glorious Griffin, Palatka; daughters; LaTonia Passmore, Atlanta, GA; LaRonda Passmore, Palatka; Kimberly Foster, both of Palatka; Sherry (Sheldon) Ruth, Antioch, CA; Stephanie (Christopher) Jeffrey, Raleigh, NC; sons, Tyree Henderson, Orlando; Willie Passmore, Madison, WI; sister, Dora (Wendell) Bush, Fernandina Beach, FL; 14 Grandchildren; 2 Great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives & caring friends.

Visitation of family and Friends will be Friday, April 22nd 5-8 p.m. at the Chapel of Serenity. Homegoing Celebration will be 2 p.m. Saturday, April 23, 2011 at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, 800 Madison St., Palatka, Rev. Clarence Mallory, Jr., Pastor, is the eulogist.

Interment will be in Oak Hill West Cemetery