Billy “Bill” G. Griffin. Age 81, of Lake View, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, June 24, 2008, at Loring Hospital in Sac City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 28th at the 1st Congregational United Church of Christ is Lake View with Pastor Jess Thomason officiating. Burial will be at the Wall Lake Cemetery under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Lake View.

Visitation is from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, June 27th at the funeral home in Lake View.

Billy Gene Griffin was born in East Prairie, Missouri, on May 17, 1927, the son of K. E. and Dollie (Baker) Griffin. He married his sweetheart, Rita Turner in 1944. A daughter, Cynthia was born in 1946. The family moved to Iowa in 1947, where Bill opened a cabinet shop in Carnarvon. His father, K. E., and he started Griffin Construction. Many of their projects can be seen around the state as this was a successful business for over 40 years.

Bill served the community of Lake View as a fireman for 26 years, City Councilman, on the Board of Adjustment and on the Board of Review for Sac County. He coached women’s softball and played softball for many years.

As a sideline from construction, and a promoter for tourism in Lake View, he opened a miniature golf course, driving range and riding stables. Loving the horses turned into a hobby of raising horses and his search for opportunities for tourists.

In 1980, Bill started a new adventure and began Ryan’s Supper Club, moving on to Lakewood Ballroom, bringing in many country stars to perform as well as the big bands.

He didn’t know retirement as he continued drafting blueprints for Circle B Lumber Yards and private individuals. He dabbled in woodworking and serviced pull tab machines weekly. He never stopped dreaming of what could be the next great endeavor to promote Lake View.

Bill always had a smile and a wave as he drove around the lake looking for the next opportunity.

Bill is survived by his wife, Rita; daughter Cynthia and her husband John Schwarzkopf; his grandchildren: Lt. Commander Jason Schwarzkopf, Jessica and husband Sr. Chief Frank Meares, and Tech Sgt. Justin Schwarzkopf and wife Heather; three great-grandchildren: Alex and Evalyn Meares and Serenity Schwarzkopf; sisters: Louise and husband Bill Shuppert of California, Freda Boardman of Texas, Pat and husband Frank Hawley of Denison, and Sue Frank of Lake View; many extended family members; and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Robert and Buddy.