Johnathan Glyn "Turtle" Griffin

Services for Johnathan Glyn “Turtle” Griffin, 38, of Grand Saline, are scheduled for 10 a.m., Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Bartley Funeral Home, with Bro. Billy Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Woodside Cemetery.

Johnathan passed away October 10, 2026, in Canton. He was born November 1, 1987, in Dallas County, to Ralph C. and Irene Vasquez Griffin. He spent the first 13 years of his life in Mesquite before moving to Grand Saline, where he graduated from Grand Saline High School with the Class of 2006. Johnathan was of the Baptist faith and made his profession of faith at Riverside Mission Church.

Johnathan was currently employed by Morton Salt Company and had previously worked for J&L Surveying and Walker Associates in Tyler. He also worked as a heavy equipment operator for Reliable Tree Service.

Johnathan had a love for cooking, especially smoking briskets and ribs, a skill he learned while working alongside his dad at the family-owned: Wagon Train BBQ” restaurant. He also had a sweet tooth, particularly for his Aunt Juanita Russell’s Cherry Crunch Cake, which she lovingly made for him at every family gathering, and his mother’s homemade chocolate pie. These were special treats he always looked forward to.

Known affectionately as “Turtle,” Johnathan never met a stranger and had a heart as big as his personality. He had a genuine love for people and a way of making those around him feel welcome. He will be remembered for his kind heart, friendly nature, and the love he shared with his family and friends.

Johnathan was preceded in death by his father, Ralph C. Griffin; and grandparents, Alton M. and Rhoda Lorene Griffin, Felix Vasquez, Sr., and Porfiria Flores Vasquez.

Survivors include his mother, Irene Griffin of Grand Saline; girlfriend, Destinee Matthews of Grand Saline; five aunts and uncles; and numerous cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Pallbearers will be Dennis Connell, Chris Weaver, Zach Woodrum, Toby Davis, Cody Rodgers, Zach Mass, and Jose Arbaiza.

If you’d like to contribute in his memory toward funeral expenses, those can be made at Bartley Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the funeral home on Thursday.