Wesley Ryan Griffin, 47, of Laurel, MS, passed away on February 28, 2025 surrounded by his loving family and friends. A proud father, devoted community leader, accomplished professional, and cherished friend, Ryan left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Born on November 5, 1977, Ryan was a proud graduate of West Jones High School, Class of 1996. A four-year football letterman and a founding member of the school's first soccer team, he
was honored as Mr. West Jones and served as Vice President of his senior class. His leadership and charisma earned him recognition as Most Admired and Class Favorite among his peers. Ryan continued his education at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he graduated in 2000. His dedication to service and leadership was evident early in life, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and later representing Jones County and the State of Mississippi as a delegate to the 2000 Republican National Convention in Philadelphia.

Professionally, Ryan built an impressive career in journalism, communications, and marketing. Following his major out of USM he worked as a reporter for the Laurel Leader-Call Newspaper
prior to serving as editor of the Jasper County News. His move into public relations took him to the Pearl River Resort for the first time where he served as the public information manager. He went on to become General Manager of Buckley Impact Newspaper for a while before returning to the Pearl River Resort as advertising manager before becoming the director of advertising and graphics.

A lifelong advocate for his community, Ryan was an active member of several civic organizations. He was a proud member and past president of Kiwanis of Laurel, a leader in Leadership Jones County, and served on multiple boards, including the United Way of the Pine Belt Region, past president, the Jones County Chamber of Commerce, and the LJC Soccer Board, where he also served as president.

Ryan's faith was the cornerstone of his life, and he was a lifetime member of Life Church, were he found strength and community. Ryan's presence will be deeply missed, but his impact will live on in the countless lives he touched.

He will be remembered for the love he had for his children, passion for service, his unwavering dedication to his hometown, and his ability to lead with both heart and integrity. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, commitment, and an enduring love for the people and places he served.

He is survived by his sons, Jackson Ryan Griffin and Wyatt Ridge Griffin; his father, Larry Eldridge Griffin; his mother, Deborah Parker Griffin; his brother, William Russell Griffin and wife Ann; his sister, Jessica Reagan Prisock and husband Robert; his nephews, Barrett Prisock, Harrison Prisock, Harry Griffin, and Whitman Griffin; his niece, Eloise Prisock; and his fiancé, Kim Wilbanks.

Ryan was preceded in death by his grandfathers, William Parker and Andy Eldridge Griffin; his grandmothers, Lucille McCraney and Juanita Parker; and his nephew, Wesley Griffin Prisock, his; aunt, Marsha Smith.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, from 5:00PM until 8:00PM at Life Church 5021 Hwy 84 West Laurel, Mississippi. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 11:00AM at Life Church in Laurel, Mississippi., with burial to follow at Lake Park Hills Cemetery in Laurel, Mississippi. Bro. Josh Fletcher will officiate the services.

Arrangements are under the care of Ellisville Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.