Dr. George Lamb Buist Grinnan, 87, of Duck, NC passed away on November 1, 2023 surrounded by loved ones in his most favorite place. Born in Brooklyn, NY on November 30, 1935. Preceded in death by Dr. and Mrs. Randolph Bryan Grinnan, Jr; his brothers Randolph Bryan Grinnan, III, of Norfolk; Richardson Grinnan of Richmond; and his cherished Labradors.

He is survived by his wife, Karon Glynn Grinnan; son, George Lamb Buist Grinnan, Jr. and wife, Cheri; daughter, Katherine Grinnan Batzel and husband, Mark; stepdaughter, Kelly Adams; stepson Christopher Robert Darden; and grandchildren, Meredith Grinnan Deafenbaugh (Brad), Frances Grinnan, Audrey Batzel, Trevor Darden, Natalie Batzel, Timothy James, Claire Adams, Kayla James, Thomas Batzel, Carmen Adams, Christopher Darden; and Great-Grandchildren, Emilia, Luke, Jasper, and Koa; Sisters-in-law Patricia and Lelia Grinnan; many nieces, nephews, and beloved cousins (and cousins of cousins!); his dogs Gracie and Nolie.

George was a graduate of Norfolk Academy â€˜53 and Hampden-Sydney College â€˜57. He continued his graduate education at the Medical College of Virginia School of Medicine in Richmond, VA. After completing his residency and fellowship at the Medical College, he went on to become a celebrated Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. George was active in his community, serving in leadership positions in several professional societies that include: partner in the Mid-Atlantic Cardiothoracic Surgeons, past president of the Tidewater chapter of the American Heart Association, and past president of the Humera Surgical Society. He was an author and co-author of many publications and involved in numerous hospital staff memberships and committee appointments in Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach. George was a military veteran, called to serve during his medical studies at the U.S. Air Force Hospital Clark A.F.B in the Philippines during the Vietnam War. He received the Air Force Commendation Medal for Outstanding Achievement.

He and Karon, his wife of 45 years, traveled the world together, sailing, biking, hiking and touring. Their most favorite destination was Tanzania, Africa which they visited three times. George ("Grandaddy") was an avid outdoorsman, adventure seeker and travel enthusiast, spreading his love for his hobbies with all loved-ones. He was an active hunter of waterfowl, fisherman, crabber and boater. He was a dog lover and actively involved in training his many Labrador Retrievers. He was a mountain climber, marathon runner, wind surfer, bird lover and Jimmy Buffet's #1 fan. We take pride in the man he was and the many hobbies that have inspired his loved-ones from time immemorial.

Please join us in celebrating the life of George. To accommodate the many friends and family there will be two memorial services. The first service is on Saturday, November 11 at 11AM at Duck Methodist Church with reception to follow in the fellowship hall. A second service will be held on his 88th Birthday on Thursday, November 30 from 3PM-7PM at 4036 Bridgehampton Lane in Virginia Beach. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Norfolk Chapter of the American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/virginia/norfolk. Please share condolences with the family at gallopfuneralservices.com.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Nov. 4, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for George Grinnan

Sponsored by the family.

10 Entries

Don Tyler

November 26, 2023

I met George when I moved to the Outer Banks. I had lost my first wife to cancer, and met Cezette who had lost her husband, also to cancer. George was a member of Cezette´s church choir. The choir members congregated in the church kitchen, and I joined them as an ex officio-member. (George had a beautiful voice and I can´t sing.). I always looked forward to talking with George every Sunday morning. He became a dear friend. Cezette and I both send our deepest sympathies to Karon and all of George´s family. We will miss him and wish him Godspeed.

Paul Barham

November 7, 2023

My condolences to the entire family ...

Lynne Virgili, RN

November 6, 2023

I had the privilege of working on the Open Heart Team from `87 until he retired. He was a wonderful surgeon and teacher to me as a novice OR nurse. We were a tight knit family. You were and will continue to be missed. Praying for you and your loved ones. RIP

Shirley Wharton

November 5, 2023

I was saddened to hear of Dr. Grinnan´s passing. I worked with him as a staff nurse in CVT and later in Administration at SNGH. He was an outstanding physician, kind, compassionate, and always a gentleman. It was my honor to have worked with him. My sincere sympathy to all of his family. May he RiP.
Shirley Wharton

Parker Cross

November 5, 2023

George will be missed. I have great memories of our wonderful travels together, including our very exciting trip to Mt Everest. A wonderful, considerate travel companion and man

Brenda LaDell RN

November 4, 2023

So sorry .use to work as MACS a and had so much respect for this man.

Charles B. Windle. M.D.

November 4, 2023

Condolences to George's family , associates and friends. I first met George in 1698 when I was a medical student and George was a resident . He was the best kind of surgeon, well trained, aggressive and level headed. I am honored to have known him and worked with over many years.
DR. Charles ( Chuck) Windle

Robert VanLandingham

November 4, 2023

sorry to hear of Dr. Grinnans passing. He gave me a new lease on life 44 years ago. May God bless and keep him in eternal peace.

Diane Pauly Whalen, RN

November 4, 2023

Dr.Grinnan was the best surgeon ever. I had the honor of having worked in surgery and he operated on my father many years ago for heart bypass. Later, my father needed lung surgery and insisted that only Dr. Grinnan perform that surgery, no one else would do. It was not only his expertise in his field but his kind, gentle , compassionate personality that drew persons to him. He treated each and every one of his patients as if they were the most special persons in the world. My deepest condolences to his family. Diane Pauly Whalen, RN.

Jim Braithwaite

November 3, 2023

I was very sorry to hear of the loss of George. He was such a fine gentleman. I always enjoyed talking to him about duck hunting ,whenever we ran into each other. He will surely be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. You have my deepest sympathy.

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