David Starr Griffin, Jr.

GLOUCESTER—David Starr Griffin, Jr. transitioned to heaven on Monday, May 3, 2021. He was born February 6, 1937, the first son of Mary Lou Piland Griffin, and David Starr Griffin, Sr. 

David was married to Joan “Jo” Heath Griffin in January of 1993.  “Jo” transitioned to Heaven November 13, 2020, both resided at Admirals Landing in Portsmouth, Virginia.  Survivors, include his Son and daughter in law Christopher “Troy” and Maria Victoria Griffin, and David’s beloved grandson Christopher Samuel Griffin, all of Houston, Texas. In addition, Mr. Griffin is survived by his siblings James, E. Griffin, and wife Suzan of Williamsburg, Virginia., John M. Griffin of Roanoke Rapids, NC, and Linda Lou Griffin Hester of Knightdale, NC.  In addition, he is survived by nieces Sarah (Eric,) Rachel and nephews Matthew Griffin (Mandy), Frank Griffin (Nicole) and James Griffin (Alice) and a number of Griffin and Piland Cousins. As well as two close friends who were noted as family, Kay Carl of Portsmouth (Steve) and Daevid Reed of Farmville, Virginia.

David attended Woodland Olney School until 1952, when he became a cadet at Fishbourne Military School, Waynesboro, Virginia.  He was a Lieutenant, Platoon leader his senior year, lettered in varsity tennis and junior varsity football. He was also editor of TAPS, the FMS yearbook. He often said the years at Fishburne were some of his happiest experiences. 

David Graduated from Guilford College in 1959 where he was editor of the QUAKER yearbook.  He then moved to New York, taught at the Franklin School and earned a master’s degree from New York University.  In 1965 he joined IBM in Raleigh, NC as a Human Resources recruiter staffing the newly announced facility at Research Triangle Park. He had transfers to Gaithersburg, MD, Fishkill, NY, Division and Corporate Headquarters, Westchester County, NY and to Boca Raton, FL where he retired in 1993.

He was always proud of the challenges and accomplishments at IBM. Highlights were Boca Raton, being the first location to offer smoking cessation classes, becoming a smoke free environment, which became the model for IBM-US, and providing retirement training and counselling programs. David conceived, designed and managed these programs. 

After retirement, he became the Director of Human Resources at Norfolk (Virginia) Redevelopment and Housing Authority with the responsibility to recommend a new organizational development strategy; design and implement a new employee performance planning, development and counseling program; and designing and managing an equitable compensation program. After retirement, David became involved in many community activities, including President of TODI Music Festival, board member of The Portsmouth Museum Foundation and most recently the Life Track Coordinator for Restore Church, Portsmouth, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: Restore Church, Portsmouth, Virginia; Fishburne Military School, Waynesboro, VA; or the Children’s Museum of Virginia Foundation, Portsmouth, VA.

Services and a celebration of David and Jo’s Life will be held at a future date (TBD). Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.