William Edward Griggs

WILLIAM EDWARD GRIGGS
1/10/47 - 11/30/22 (View memorial video.)
Bill Griggs, a kind, loving Christian man, died suddenly but peacefully at the VA Hospital, Nashville TN, November 30, 2022, following a brief hospitalization. A native of Bradenton FL, Bill had been a resident of Lewisburg TN since 1983; he was 75.
A humble man, Bill didn't talk much about his service in the US Navy, but he served honorably from 1965-1974. He completed Navy Electronic Technician Class A School in 1967 and, as the only Navy maintenance person assigned to the Naval detachment at Shu Lin Kou (Taiwan) Air Force station, Bill was responsible for coordination of support by Air Force personnel. Not surprisingly, he held top secret clearance, and received a letter of appreciation from his commanding officer for exceptional service.
Following his Navy service, Bill returned to Florida where he worked for Vital Industries before relocating to Lewisburg TN in 1983 to work at Teledyne as Production Test Supervisor (2 yrs) and later as Senior Quality Engineer (8 yrs). During that time, he completed his college requirements, earning a BS in Engineering Technology from MTSU, Murfreesboro TN, where he was recognized as the Outstanding Student in Quality Control.
After leaving Teledyne in 1993, Bill owned and operated a wholesale supply company which marketed a variety of products to retail merchandisers in a multi-state territory. Since 1996 he was a licensed insurance and financial investment representative.
A man of varied interests, Bill learned Morse Code in order to obtain an Advanced Class Amateur Radio License. He shot trap and skeet competitively, and also enjoyed fishing and hunting - a highlight being a winter elk hunting/camping trip, traveling by horseback in Montana.
Bill's patient demeanor and distinctive "sauntering" gait, coupled with careful, thoughtful analysis of the most seemingly insignificant thing, or a corny joke (often funnier to him than anyone else), will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Aulton & Ida Louise (Gates) Griggs, and a beloved brother-in-law, Wiley Clark. Survivors include Patricia "Pj" Wamble, his cherished companion of 33 years; siblings, Hank (Miriam) Griggs, Bonnie Griggs Clark, Evelyn Griggs (Jack Doyle); myriad nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, cousins, "adopted" family, and his treasured church family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the First Baptist Church Memorial Fund (online), P O Box 1308, Lewisburg TN 37091 or a donation in support of the VA Nashville Hospital, which provides primary care and specialty health services for our nation's veterans through VA Mid-South Healthcare Network.
Bill will be interred at the Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery with a Celebration of Life to be held early in 2023, at a time when his family can attend.
Nashville Cremation Center is honored to be entrusted with handling Mr. Griggs's arrangements. Please visit his tribute page to leave a thoughtful note for the family.