Who Is Raymond Griner? Inside the Life of Brittney Griner’s Father

When people talk about Brittney Griner, they often mention her height, her powerful basketball skills, or her medals. But behind her strength and success is someone quiet but very strong — her dad, Raymond Griner.

Raymond Griner isn’t just Brittney Griner’s father. He’s a military veteran, a long-time sheriff, and a man who stood tall through both good and hard times. His journey as a father, especially during Brittney’s most difficult moments, is full of love, learning, and strength.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Raymond Griner’s life — who he is, where he came from, how he raised Brittney, and how their bond grew stronger through the years. Let’s get to know the man behind one of the world’s most famous basketball stars.

Raymond Griner Quick Bio

Early Life of Raymond Griner

Raymond Griner was born in the United States in the early 1950s. While not much is publicly shared about his childhood, we do know that he grew up with a strong sense of duty and discipline. These qualities stayed with him throughout his entire life.

As a young man, Raymond didn’t chase fame or attention. He lived a simple life — one based on hard work, service, and protecting others. That mindset would shape the way he raised his family later on.

Like many men from his generation, Raymond believed in structure, responsibility, and doing the right thing — even when it was hard.

Raymond Griner’s Military Service in Vietnam

When Raymond turned 18, he joined the U.S. Marines. Not long after, he was sent to fight in the Vietnam War. He spent two full years — 1968 and 1969 — in the jungles of Vietnam during a very dangerous time.

Many people don’t realize how hard that was. Being so young and facing war changes a person. For Raymond, this experience gave him a tough outer shell, but also a deep love for peace, safety, and family.

After his service, he didn’t talk much about the war. Like many veterans, he kept those memories inside. But that part of his life shaped how he thought, how he worked, and how he raised his kids — especially Brittney.

Raymond Griner’s Career in Law Enforcement

Once Raymond came back from Vietnam, he didn’t take it easy. He continued to serve by working in law enforcement. He started off with small security jobs and later became a sheriff in Harris County, Texas.

Raymond worked as a sheriff for 35 years. That’s a long time to protect people and help keep a community safe. It shows just how serious he was about doing what’s right.

His job meant rules, structure, and sometimes danger — but Raymond stayed committed. Brittney often said she grew up in a very strict home, and that makes sense. Her father’s job and background made him strong and serious, especially about safety and discipline.

Sandra Griner and Their Four Children

Raymond met his wife, Sandra Griner, in Texas, and they later got married. Sandra was a homemaker — someone who stayed at home, raised the kids, and took care of the family. Together, they created a home filled with love, rules, and life lessons.

They had two daughters together — Pier and Brittney. But the family didn’t stop there. Raymond also had two children from a previous relationship — a son named DeCarlo and a daughter named SheKera. That made their home a blended family of four kids.

The age gap between the siblings was big. For example, Brittney once said her brother DeCarlo was 17 years older than her, and SheKera was 10 years older. Even Pier, the sister closest in age, was still five years older than Brittney. So, growing up felt a bit different for her — almost like being an only child at times.

Brittney Griner’s Childhood with Her Father

Growing up, Brittney was a true “daddy’s girl.” Even though her dad was strict, they shared a special bond.

Raymond didn’t just tell Brittney what to do — he taught her real-life skills. From a young age, he showed her how to fix cars. She learned how to change the oil, check the engine, and even repair brakes. That’s not something many young girls learn, but Raymond made sure his daughter could do anything.

In fact, when she was in high school, Raymond bought her a 2006 Dodge Magnum — and yes, she knew how to fix it herself! Brittney was proud of those skills and often said, “I don’t know what some things are called… but I can fix them.”

These lessons weren’t just about cars. They were about being strong, independent, and ready for life.

Raymond Griner’s Tough Reaction

Everything seemed fine until Brittney came out as gay in high school. That was a turning point in their relationship. While her mom, Sandra, accepted her immediately with open arms, Raymond did not.

His reaction was hard. He once said, “I’m raising no gay girl.” Brittney was heartbroken. The father she admired and looked up to suddenly felt distant.

Because of this, Brittney moved out during her senior year. She went to live with one of her high school coaches. It was a painful time for both of them. Raymond’s military and law enforcement background made him very strict, and it took time for him to understand and accept who his daughter really was.

How Brittney and Her Father Reconnected

Even though things were hard at first, the story between Raymond Griner and Brittney didn’t end there. Over time, Raymond began to change. Slowly, he started to understand his daughter better.

He began letting her friends visit. He started asking questions and showing more care. It wasn’t a quick fix, but it was real. Brittney noticed the change and gave her father another chance.

Their bond grew stronger again. Brittney once said that even though her dad was tough, she knew deep down he loved her. And Raymond, in his own way, was learning how to show it.

Raymond Griner During Brittney’s Russia Detention

In 2022, Brittney Griner faced one of the hardest times of her life. She was arrested in Russia for carrying cannabis oil in her bag — something that is illegal there. She was sentenced to nine years in prison.

Raymond Griner was heartbroken. His daughter was far from home, and he couldn’t protect her. He called it the most painful thing he had faced in his 73 years of life.

During those long months, Raymond turned to his faith. He prayed every day. He believed God would bring her home. And in December 2022, that prayer was answered. Brittney was released in a prisoner swap arranged by the U.S. government.

When she came back, Raymond said, “She’s my baby. And she’s home. That’s all that matters.”

Raymond Griner’s Values

Raymond has always lived by strong values. His time in the military, his years as a sheriff, and his life as a father taught him many things.

He believes in faith, hard work, and doing the right thing. Even when things are tough, he stays calm and steady. That’s the kind of example he set for Brittney and the rest of the family.

He also learned how to grow as a person. Being a good parent doesn’t mean being perfect — it means learning and loving, even when you make mistakes.

What Brittney Griner Says About Her Father Today

Today, Brittney speaks openly about her father with respect and love. She’s honest about their tough times, but she also shares how proud she is of how far they’ve come.

In court, during her sentencing in Russia, Brittney said, “My parents taught me two important things: One, to take ownership for your responsibilities. And two, to work hard for everything that you have.”

She knows the strength inside her came from both her mother and father. And even though their journey had bumps, Brittney and Raymond Griner now stand side by side — with a deeper bond than ever before.

Raymond Griner’s Life in 2025

Life in 2025 brought a new joy to the Griner family. In July 2024, Brittney and her wife Cherelle welcomed a baby boy named Bash.

Raymond is now a grandfather, and it’s a role he takes seriously. Brittney said, “They told me that when you see your child, everything else fades away. That’s exactly what happened.”

Now, Raymond gets to enjoy quiet moments with his grandson — watching him grow, playing with him, and passing down the same calm strength he gave Brittney years ago.

Final Thoughts

So, who is Raymond Griner? He’s more than just Brittney Griner’s father. He’s a veteran, a sheriff, a mentor, and a loving dad who learned how to grow with his daughter.

His life reminds us that even the strongest people can change and learn. It shows us that love, even when tested, can come back stronger than before.

Brittney Griner became a champion — not just because of her talent, but because of the people who stood beside her. And one of those people was her father, Raymond Griner.

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