Jimmie Rodriquez Griffin was third to enter the line-up of the children of the late Jimmie Griffin and Yvonne Gaines Griffin. "Rod" as he was known, entered their lineup on July 21, 1964, in Columbus, Georgia. He took his last earthly stand at bat on January 16, 2019, at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.

His years in the lineup were filled with greatness as an athlete. An outstanding baseball player throughout his life, Rod started playing ball for the Junior Bombers, coached by his uncle, Milton "Junebug" Griffin. Rod's athletic skills further stood out at Monroe High School where he lettered in baseball for four years. He was known as the area's best center-fielder and the fastest runner during his baseball career. His shot-gun arm was guaranteed to get runners OUT! Most teams underestimated Rod's running abilities, which essentially made him the leader of stolen bases in every game. He was just AMAZING!

After graduating from Monroe in 1982, Rod signed a baseball scholarship with South Georgia State College in Douglas, Georgia. After college, his passion for the game lead him to play baseball for the Post 512 American Legion League, Albany Hawks, and the Itchaway Red Sox. He also coached Little League and taught kids the skills of baseball. He especially enjoyed teaching the skills to his sons. Trevion mastered them so well that he was drafted by the Atlanta Braves.

In 1989, Rod moved to Atlanta, with his family. While there, he developed a deep passion for fishing; purchased a bass fishing boat; and embarked on weekend fishing trips with his friends. They traveled to Eufaula, Baton Rouge, West Point, and various other fishing hotspots. Rod also entered fishing  competitions which made stopping by the Bass Pro Shop a must! His boat, a fishing rod, and a lake were all he needed to bring on that million-dollar smile.

Although Rod loved baseball and fishing, his greatest love was for God, his family, and "home". This love always brought him back to Old Pretoria Road, Camden Lane and Whitney Avenue for family gatherings. Rod accepted Christ at an early age at Second Bethesda Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. But the roads also lead him back to his maternal home church, Second Mt. Zion Baptist Church (The Rock Church).

So as a tribute to his rearing, Rod leaves cheering in the stands, a legacy of love that includes, but is not limited to, his loving and devoted mother, Yvonne Gaines Griffin of Atlanta, GA; three children, Trevion Griffin of Albany GA, Laquinton Williams and Rodriquez Griffin of Atlanta, GA; stepson, Antwaun (Brittani) Westerfield of Las Vegas; godson, David Milton of Lafayette, IN; seven grandchildren, Summer Griffin, Jahki Williams, Mahki Griffin, Zariyah, Zahki and Zaire Westerfield and Raegan Griffin; four siblings, Marcelino Wright of Hartford CT, Anthony Griffin, Tammy (Tommy) Davis, Corey Griffin, and Chinique Griffin all of Atlanta, GA; uncles, Earnest Griffin, Otis Griffin, Milton (Jacquelyn) Griffin, Monroe (Yolanda) Griffin, and Robert Wright; aunts, Barbara (Perry) White, Elizabeth Gaines, Delmarie (Jonathan) Judge, Bessie Gaines Smith and Gwendolyn Griffin; great uncle, Carter H. Christian; great aunt, Frankie Roberts; his closest friend, Kheene Russell; his "boys and buddies" from Monroe High School; and a slew of cousins, relatives, and friends who are celebrating his "Safe Journey Home."