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John Griffith Obituary
April 3, 1941 - September 23, 2023
John R. Griffith, 82, of Roanoke, Va., passed away on Saturday, September 23, 2023.
John was born in Richmond, Va., on April 3, 1941, to the late Robert and Doris Griffith. He graduated from Park View High School in South Hill and went on to earn degrees from Campbell College and East Carolina University. He began teaching biology in 1964 in Lunenburg County where he met Gwendolyn Taylor Bozman of Crewe, Va. They married in March of 1965. He taught until 2014 when he retired from Roanoke City Schools.
A lover of sports, he went on to coach them all, football, basketball, baseball, softball, track, and golf. As an educator, he was named to Who's Who in American Teachers and twice nominated for the Virginia Teacher of the Year. His love of golf prompted him to create the Valley Girls Junior Open, a tournament for girls 18 and under to compete for scholarships. Since its creation in 2018, the tournament has awarded more than $23K in scholarship money. John was also a proud member of the Masons and served as Chaplain at Catawba Lodge No. 342 in Fincastle, Va.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Doris Griffith; and his wife of 55 years, Gwendolyn Griffith.
John is survived by his daughter, Robyn Griffith of Midlothian, Va.; son, Kevin and daughter-in-law, Sally, of Staunton, Va.; and grandson, Jonathan, his pride and joy.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at Oakey's East Chapel with the Rev. Dr. David Dickerson officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2 p.m. until the service time at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to the Valley Girls Junior Open or to the Fincastle Presbyterian Church. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.Oakeys.com.
Arrangements by Oakey's East Chapel and Crematory, Roanoke, VA (540) 977-3909.
Memories and Condolences
for John Griffith
Sponsored by Oakey's East Chapel.
5 Entries
Loren Lane
September 28, 2023
I offer my prayers of comfort and peace for the family. I taught at Patrick Henry HS in Roanoke with John for just 2 years - his smile and positive attitude made my short time there so memorable. Heaven has gained an angel for sure. - Loren Lane
Rick Procise
September 28, 2023
I am sending my condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Griffith. He was my biology teacher, my coach, and my student driver trainer at Central of Lunenburg. He taught me much more than that. I always considered him my friend as well. I remember fondly his big smile and words of encouragement.
Rest in Peace, Coach
Margaret Rainey Crowder
September 27, 2023
The class of 1958 Park View High School sends their deepest condolences. I just spoke with him about 3 weeks ago. He told me what was going on but didn't say anything about it being so advanced. We had a long talk and reminisced , of course, about the good ole days in South Hill. SO glad we did.
Connie Mitchell
September 26, 2023
I taught with Gwen and my grandson was on John's golf team at Patrick Henry. I am so sorry for your loss, both John and Gwen.
Ann Martin and Denise Brown
September 26, 2023
Robyn,
We were so sorry to hear of your father´s passing. We are thinking of you. Keep all your wonderful memories close during this time.
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