J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Griffin, David "Red" Walter

Friday, June 19, 2009

David Walter “Red” Griffin, 60, died Friday, June 19, 2009 at his home near Disputanta. “Red” was born on June 28, 1948 in Wakefield. He is survived by the love of his life, his high school sweetheart and wife of 38 years Rebecca Parker Griffin; a daughter Jennifer Griffin Warthan and her husband Marvin Keith Warthan, JR of Waverly; his mother, Linda Holt Griffin of Franklin; two sisters, Jessie G. Turner and her husband G. W. Turner and Barbara G. Wade and her husband Eddie Wade, both of Franklin; and three beloved granddaughters, Shelby Callahan Pike, Maggie Rivers Pike and Avery Ruth Warthan. “Red” was eagerly anticipating the arrival of his unborn grandson, Marvin Keith Warthan, III in early July. He was predeceased by his son, Michael David Griffin; his father, Hubert Jesse “Curley” Griffin, and his grandmother Clara Holt.
.Active and popular in his community throughout his life, “Red” was retired from chemical and material sales and was a member of the Wakefield United Methodist Church, the Wakefield Community Hunt Club, the Wakefield Sportsman’s Club and the Wakefield Ruritan Club. He was an avid fox hunter and an ardent fan of the Duke University “Blue Devils” basketball team and their coach “Coach K”. A 1968 graduate of Tidewater Academy, he was an outstanding athlete, excelling on the baseball field and the basketball court and he continued to coach local teams for many years. “Red” was a member of the US Army Reserves from 1970 – 1975. Finally, “Red” was a loving and doting grandfather to his three “girls”, Shelby, Maggie and Avery Ruth.
A Celebration of “Red’s” Life will be held on Sunday, June 21, 2009 at 3: 00 PM at the Wakefield United Methodist Church by the Rev. G. C. Branton. Burial will follow in the Wakefield Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Purviance Chapel of J. T. Morriss & Son, Wakefield on Saturday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. The family also invited everyone to join them at a reception in the Fellowship Hall of Wakefield United Methodist Church following the services Sunday. Memorial donations may be made to Wakefield United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 87, Wakefield VA 23888. Condolences to the family may be posted at www.jtmorriss.com.

Dear Becky, Jennifer and other family members,
G-d will send many angels, often unaware, to LIFT you each to your feet , till your wings can fly again.
HIS presence will give you the HOPE AND COURAGE TO PRESS ON TILL YOU are reunited
again as a family.
David leaves a legacy of G-d's light and love to light the way for his family to eternity with G-d.
May you find SHALOM in G-d!!
Faye Mattox

Posted by: Faye mattox at June 25, 2009 01:08 AM

Griffin Family
I am so sorry. My family and I will keep you in our prayers. Red coached me in a many ball games, I have always looked up to him. He will be missed by all.
Love, Tom, Michelle and Hunter Billups

Posted by: Tom Billups at June 22, 2009 08:09 AM

Jennifer and Becky, I will truly miss Red!!! He was such a great person and loving husband, father, and grandfather. To see the joy in his eyes when he was surrounded by all ya'll was truly amazing! If there is anything I can do, let me know! I'm so sorry for your loss!!

Posted by: Terri Barfield at June 21, 2009 06:35 AM

Becky, Jennifer, and family, My heart goes out to you guys. If you guys need anything let me know, Red was always there to help me if I needed something. I was always laughing with Red around and even though he wanted me to get rid of the beagles and get some "Real Dogs", I could always call him for advise. I will miss my old buddy!!
Tacklebox

Posted by: Tacklebox (John Pearce) at June 20, 2009 03:20 PM

Becky and Jennifer:

I cannot put into words how I feel right now, I am truly sorry for your loss. Red was a wonderful and outgoing man and was and will always be near and dear to my heart. I could always count on Red to make me smile, support me at all of my softball games and can remember him vividly saying "What's going on Cookie!" which was always followed by a huge hug! At this time, find comfort in each other. Your entire family will always hold a place deep within my heart. If there is anything that I can do please let me know.

Posted by: Karen (Cook) Smith and Phillip Smith at June 20, 2009 03:13 PM

Becky, Jennifer, & Family,

Patti & I are sorry to hear of Red's passing. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Love,

Rusty Fleming

Posted by: Rusty Fleming at June 20, 2009 01:28 PM

Becky and Jennifer
words cannot express how my heart goes out to your family. Junior and I always enjoyed his outgoing personality, he truly lived life to the fullest, we all could learn from him. God bless you all. love Junior and Robin

Posted by: robin ashworth at June 19, 2009 10:48 PM

Becky, Jennifer and Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers always. Red was a good person and had the greatest personality ever. Always loads of fun to be around.
Winnie Ward Umphlett & Billy

Posted by: Winnie Umphlett at June 19, 2009 06:57 PM

Becky, Jennifer and Family,

You all are in our thoughts and prayers. We are going to miss Red very much! Let us know if you need anything at all!

Jessica & Billy

Posted by: Jessica & Billy at June 19, 2009 01:04 PM

BECKY MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY--I GREW UP WITH RED AS A NEIGHBOR AND HAVE LOTS OF MEMORIES OF THOSE DAYS--AND THE MEMORIES ONLY CONTINUED OVER THE YEARS--I HAVE BEEN WHERE YOU ARE RIGHT NOW - LOSING A HUSBAND-AND IF AND WHEN YOU NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO OR JUST TO LISTEN--CALL ME--YOU ARE A TREASURED FRIEND AND I WILL BE THERE ANYTIME!!

Posted by: VICKI HALON at June 19, 2009 01:01 PM

Becky and Jennifer, We are so sorry. We are thinking of you and praying for you. Red was one of kind and will be greatly missed. I love the picture Jennifer had on her site, at the Hunt Club sitting at the table with Becky and the biggest smile on his face!! We will all remember that smile!!

Posted by: Cindi Dickerson at June 19, 2009 12:57 PM