William Roy Griffin

William Roy Griffin, 68, passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2025, in Fowler, Colorado. He was born July 7, 1957, Denver, Colorado to Nora E. (Hamilton) & William Calvin Griffin.

While attending Castle Rock High School, he did rodeo in saddle broncs, bulls and steer wrestling. William learned how to drive the big rigs aka semis with his father WC. He left high school and married Patrisha Stark in 73, their son, James Edward Griffin was born in 1974 and they divorced in 1975.

He finished his GED and rode saddle broncs on a scholarship for Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington Wyoming. He graduated with his two-year degree. Returning to Castle Rock, Colorado, He started his business Wind River Plumbing. While still riding saddle broncs in his spare time. Also, in his spare time he was a bodyguard for Don Box that was a Willy Nelson impersonator. He enjoyed being able to see the country traveling with Don. He was a member of the local Eagles club, and he looked forward to donating to their charities every year. Working alongside his parents, they all ran the Big A auto parts store in Elizabeth, Colorado for a couple years as well.

Bill (William) and good friend “Hippee” started building classic cars together. Bill then traveled to car shows including Crowley County Days, NSRA in Pueblo and others around the state.

They also traveled back east together to manage the sled for tractor pulls. Down the road he began his drag racing career. While doing that he became a member of the NHRA for 30 plus years.

That passion drove him to become a certified driver of an alcoholic “top fuel” dragster that allowed him to travel out of state for competitions. He raced under Cowboy racing.

After selling his plumbing business he moved to Bailey, Colorado. Where he plowed snow and worked with small engines. During his time in Bailey, he was able to show his grandson (Steston) the ropes to drag racing and they raced at Bandimere, together. He loved this time of his life.

In 2016, he returned to the family farm in Ordway, Colorado when his mother became ill. He drove a semi-truck to help haul cattle. Helped fix things up around the farm as he was known as our “handy man” by his nephews Calvin and Clint. After his mother passed, he permanently moved to the Arkansas Valley and fell in love with his lifelong friend Kim Burch. They lived in Canon City for a few years. Then bought a home together in Fowler Colorado where he retired and lived out his life together.

He loved playing pool and visiting friends for a good drink and lots of laughter & “Shooting the Shit”. He loved family gatherings, sharing and making memories with his loved ones. Traveling down the road burning rubber, watching his old westerns shows.

William is survived by his wife, Kim (Burch) Zabel and dog, Chloe of Fowler, Colorado; son, James Edward (Tracy) Griffin of Strasburg, Colorado; grandchildren, Stetson, AJ, Jessica (Tommy) and Christopher; brother, Robert Griffin of Ordway, Colorado; niece and nephews, Rebecca, Calvin, and Clint (Shawnee); great-niece and nephews, Shae, Andy and Braxton; aunt and uncle, Suzie and Don Graeff of Elizabeth, Colorado. As well as many cousins, family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Nora & William Griffin.

A Memorial Service for William will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.