Donnie Ray Griffin was born in Red River County, Texas on November 2, 1950. He accepted Christ and was baptized at Bethel Baptist Church in Las Vegas, Nevada. Donnie later graduated from Clark High School in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1968.
Following his high school graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. and was assigned to the Special Forces Recon Squadron. In addition, he served a tour of duty in Vietnam.
Donnie was a man of many skills and talents. He was an accomplished pilot and professional tour bus driver. His hobbies included cooking, barbecuing, travelling and listening to jazz and rhythm and blues. Donnie enjoyed family gatherings and was always the life of the party.
