Donald “Griff” Griffin Jr. was born the first child to the late Donald Griffin Sr. and Frances A. Griffin on September 9, 1944 in Columbus, OH. He departed this life on August 20, 2020 after battling pneumonia at the Grant Hospital Medical center.
Donald attended East High School for 10th and 11th grade. Donald was an avid basketball player and won various medals and accolades for cross-county track. Donald attended Linden McKinley during his senior year and later enlisted in the Marine Corps. He served 2 tours in Vietnam. After the service he began working for Westinghouse Refrigeration. He was later employed by various companies throughout Columbus serving as security for multiple night clubs. He retired from Club 57 in 2013.
Donald was married to Kim (Griffin) Robinson. To this union was born, one daughter, Kelly and one son, David.
Donald was associated with the Brentnell Apostolic Church growing up. Later in life he continued on his own personal spiritual path with the Lord. Donald enjoyed music, reading, classic movies and staying dapper in the latest greatest fashion and shoes. He also enjoyed road trips, mostly solo but family car trips too. If you saw the White Cadillacs, that was him! He enjoyed spending time with family and friends but would always stay just a little while, to let you know he was thinking of you. Donald was very generous and self-less to his loved ones. In later years while living in nursing facilities he thoroughly enjoyed all those that came to visit him or simply dropped a note. He will be missed by all.
Donald is preceded in death by his father and mother, Donald Sr. and Frances A. Griffin; brother, Thomas Griffin and sister Jacqueline Griffin.
Donald leaves to cherish his memory, daughter, Kelly (Terrell) Howell; son, David (Joi) Griffin; brothers, Howard (Janie) Griffin, Stanley Griffin, Steven (Jeanie) Griffin, and Vincent Griffin; 4 grand-daughters, Taylor Griffin, Tori Howell, Taylee Howell, and Taylen Griffin; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Donald always marched to the beat of his own drum and did so until his glorious meeting with the Lord.
Private Visitation 12:00 PM and Funeral Service 1:00 PM Monday, August 31, 2020 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave.
Masks and Social Distancing are required.
Interment at Eastlawn Cemetery.
MAY THE SPIRIT OF GOD TRULY BE WITH YOU AND FAMILY DURING THIS TIME OF YOUR DEPARTING FAMILY MEMBER PRAYERS WILL BE RAISED FOR WHOLE FAMILY GOD BLESS.
Our sincere condolences to the Griffin family. Sending light and love to you all.
We would like to extend our condolences to the family. In times of distress we need comfort that soothes our hearts. May the peace of God guard your hearts. Truly sorry for your loss.
Donald worked with me for ten years at the Second Wind Lounge. With both of us being former marines and Vietnam veterans, we shared a connection that only Marines can share. His dependability and customer interaction skills contributed much to the success of the Second Wind all of the years we were in business. Thank you Donnie for your friendship!
Siemper Fi
Wendell Hancock
My heartfelt condolences to the family.
ROGER USMC
IT CANNOT BE INHERITED NOR CAN IT EVER BE PURCHASED.
YOU AND NO ONE ALIVE CAN BUY IT FOR ANY PRICE.
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO RENT AND CANNOT BE LENT.
YOU ALONE AND OUR OWN HAVE EARNED IT WITH YOUR SWEAT, BLOOD AND LIVES.
YOU WON IT FOREVER.
THE TITLE
UNITED STATES MARINE
GO WITH GOD MY BROTHER
SEMPER FI