Edna M. Griffin, of Homosassa Florida, passed away peacefully at Hospice House of Citrus County and the Nature Coast in Lecanto Florida on May 30. She is survived by 3 children (Robert, Pat (FL) and Laura (CO)), 2 sisters (Ann, Ruby (TN)), a brother (Fred (AL), 2 grandchildren: (Susan (FL) and Jon (MT), and 2 great-grandchildren (Colin and Violet (FL)).
Edna was a reporter for the St. Petersburg Times 1959-1960, even using one of the first Polaroid cameras to take pictures to accompany her stories. She also wrote articles and took pictures for a self-published magazine called the Suncoast Visitor. In 1960 when Elvis Presley and his manager Colonel Tom Parker came to Yankeetown to film the movie "Follow That Dream," Bill (Edna's husband) was chosen to be Elvis' stand-in. Also, Colonel Parker rented office space for several months from Edna and Bill. Some may also remember Edna in the 1960s running the concession stand at the (former) American Legion beach (now Hunter Springs) in Crystal River. In the 1970s Edna served as a supervisor of guards at the Crystal River Nuclear plant.
Edna was a savvy business woman in Citrus County for over 50 years and was affectionately known as "Grandma Griffin." She ran a few successful restaurants in Homosassa, most famous was The Captain's Galley in the old Homosassa Inn on the Homosassa River, and Grandma and Grandpa's Drive In north of Crystal River. Her last businesses before retiring were ice cream and snack shops at Howard's Flea Market in Homosassa. The Griffins were members of the local Moose Lodge and American Legion for many years and they supported local veterans organizations. "Grandpa" (Bill) Griffin, a WWII veteran, passed in 2004.
Many people were aided through the years by Edna's kindness, compassion and gentleness. Edna's loving spirit will be missed by all those who loved her, cared for her and came in contact with her. Visitation will be held at Wilder Funeral Home in Homosassa, Thursday, June 9, 9-10:00am with graveside services to follow at Stage Stand Cemetery. Edna's family wishes to extend heartfelt appreciation to the personnel at Hospice of Citrus County and the Nature Coast for their excellent care and kindness to her and her family. Further, the family encourages donations be made in Edna's name to this very worthwhile cause in lieu of flowers.
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Published in Citrus County Chronicle on June 2, 2016
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