Russell H. Griffin III

1946 - 2025

Russell H. Griffin III

January 2, 1946 - February 4, 2025

Russell Hord Griffin, III "Rusty" passed away on February 4, 2025, at the age of 79. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell H. Griffin, Jr. and Nadine Estes Griffin. Rusty is survived by his children, Rhonda Griffin Berckmans (Philippe), Rita Griffin Kramer (Sean), and Russell H. Griffin, IV (Gabby); his sisters, Dianne G. Lackovitch, Roxanne G. Hicks and Vicki G. Lancaster (Wally). He was Big Daddy to three grandchildren, Phoenix Kramer, Elle Kramer, and Ava Berckmans.

Rusty was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. He graduated from Benedictine High School in 1964. He worked at DuPont for seven years after graduation, until he found his true calling. Being the outgoing, fun-loving, social person he was, he decided to go into the nightclub/restaurant business. Over the next few decades, he owned the Union Jack, Hurry Sundown, A Touch of Class, Maggie Mae's and Step Down, places where you were always welcome and guaranteed to see good friends and have a great time. Then, switching gears, Rusty became a certified optician and opened two businesses, Sterling Optical and Spectacles.

Rusty never met a stranger. He had a true zest for life and having a good time, whether he was water skiing, dancing the Bop, doing a half gainer off the diving board, playing yard games or card games (say "deal 'em" and he was ready). Rusty was an entrepreneur, a collector of clowns, a lover of movies and a good book. He was also the perfect host of our family Christmas Eve gatherings for many many years.

Even though he dealt with health issues in his later years, he never complained or lost his great sense of humor. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. We will especially miss that laugh!

We would like to thank Amanda Angell for taking such good care of Rusty for the past four years and his dear friend Carol Waller for all her love and support.

Visitation will be at Affinity Funeral Service Richmond Chapel, 2720 Enterprise Pkwy., Richmond VA 23294, on March 8th from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m. Donations may be made to The American Cancer Society in Rusty's memory or to a charity of your choice.

Online guest book available at affinityfuneralservice.com.