Rico DaShaun Griffin, Sr. was born on October 20, 1979 in Cleveland, Ohio to the beloved Wanda Jo Griffin and George William Smith. He was the second of four children. Rico accepted Christ at an early age. He attended East Cleveland City Schools and was a proud member of Shaw High School class of ’98. As a child he loved playing football. He was an avid wrestling fan, which is something he was oh so passionate about well into adulthood.

Rico loved to spend time with his family. He loved to cook and grill. He loved the holidays, with Thanksgiving being his favorite. He was an old soul and loved old school music, particularly 70s and 80s soul music. He was exceptionally good with numbers and was able to swiftly recall dates, times, birthdates etc. He loved the Word of God and even dreamed of becoming a Pastor. Rico was a truck
driver during his early adulthood which was the perfect career for him as he loved to travel. He learned the highways well and could tell you how to get almost anywhere in the country.

He was a hard worker filled with great tenacity. Of all the things Rico was passionate about, nothing compared to his greatest love which was being a father to his two beautiful children – son Rico DaShaun Griffin, II and daughter Aurielle Carmen Gantt.

Rico was preceded in heaven by his parents, Wanda J. Griffin and George W. Smith; grandparents, Daisy L. and Freeman L. Griffin, Sr. and aunts, Charlotte L. Griffin and Barbara A. Vanterpool.

Rico leaves to cherish his memory his children, Rico Griffin, II and Aurielle Gantt; siblings, Brandi Griffin, George Smith-Whitfield and Tristan Griffin; nieces, Brionna Eden, Aniyah Dority, Lakiyah Johnson and Malia Griffin; nephews, Malvin Dessau III (Tre), Tion Griffin and Tavier Griffin along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives and friends.