Ronald William Griffore

Ronald William Griffore (Ron), a beloved husband, father, and dedicated trucker, passed away at his home in Kathleen, Georgia, on Thursday morning, November 7, 2024, at the age of 73.

Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on November 10, 1950, Ron spent his childhood and young adult years in Michigan, where he attended multiple schools. Ron pursued a variety of professions, working as a manager at Shoney’s/Big Boy’s before owning and operating a full-service gas station. However, it was Ron’s lifelong passion for trucking that truly defined his career.

For over 50 years, Ron worked as a truck driver and small business owner of R.W. Trucking. A proud member of Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), Ron was known by his CB handle, "Stretch," and was a true professional who took great pride in his work. With a reputation for always dressing to impress and maintaining the highest standards for himself and his employees, Ron was not only a skilled driver but also a trained diesel mechanic. He meticulously maintained his own fleet of trucks, including one equipped with a refrigerator for transporting refrigerated goods.

A man of great character, Ron showed his courage and selflessness in 2001, when he responded without hesitation to a tragic military plane crash in Unadilla, Georgia. He drove his refrigerated truck to the crash site to help the families of the fallen airmen.

In January of 1987, Ron met the love of his life, Della, in Bonaire, at Monahan’s Speak Easy. The couple married a few months later on April 18, 1987. Together they raised her son, forging a family that was built on love, respect, and shared memories. Ron's love for Della was steadfast, and they spent 37 happy years together.

Ron was a man of many passions. He was an avid bowler, nearly reaching professional status, and a lifelong fan of MOPAR vehicles and drag racing in the Grand Rapids area. He was in the process of restoring a 1967 Plymouth Satellite, a project that was close to his heart prior to his passing. Ron also enjoyed fishing and hunting and was known for his quick wit and sense of humor, often entertaining friends and family with stories of his adventures. He traveled through 48 states and several provinces of Canada. He had a fondness for clowns and was an Emmitt Kelly collector.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and June Seaman Fraley, as well as sister, Alisa Fraley.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Della Griffore; son, William “Billy” Mitchell French (Nancy); grandchildren, Triston, Taylor, and Trinity French; as well as children from a previous marriage, Michael Griffore and Stacy Perez; and several grandchildren through them; siblings, Linda Lyles, Marc LaNore, and Jerry Fraley; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends who will forever remember him for his kindness, humor, and strong work ethic. 

A visitation gathering for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in the chapel of Bonaire Church. In order to provide more time for extended family and friends to make travel arrangements, a funeral service will be announced at a later date.

The family will accept love offerings or donations may be given in memory of Ronald William Griffore (Della) to Bonaire Church, 221 Church St., Bonaire, Georgia 31005.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.