Straughan Jack Griffin, Jr.

Straughan Jack Griffin, Jr., a lifelong resident of Churchland passed peacefully at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital on the morning of May 20, 2009 at the age of 84. Straughan had his family by his side. Mr. Griffin was preceded in death by his son, Straughan Lee Griffin. Mr. Griffin was also preceded in death by his parents, Straughan, Sr. and Marie H. Griffin, his sister, Lois and his brothers, Robert, Gordon and William. Mr. Griffin was proud of his service to his country during WWII. He was a combat veteran of the Ardennes Forest and the Ruhr River campaigns among others. Mr. Griffin was proud to have served with the 84th Infantry Division Railsplitters and made many lifelong friendships in that outfit during those difficult years. He was a life member of VFW Post 9382 and attended Churchland Baptist Church. After the war Mr. Griffin returned home to Churchland where he and his brothers eventually started a family business called Griffin Enterprises. Many lives were touched in wonderful ways by Mr. Griffin and his brothers through this company. They made quite a name for themselves as custom harvesters, bulk milk haulers, transportation specialist, and through the efforts of "Tiny Tim", salvage and recovery specialists. Mr. Griffin taught his family what it truly meant to be of service to his fellow man and his kindness, concern, and compassion for others knew no economic, social, or color barriers. Mr. Griffin is survived by his loving wife, Virginia. Jack and Virginia walked together through some of the darkest years the world and this country have ever known. They supported each other through thick and thin for 65 years. He is also survived by his daughters, Linda and Ann and his son, Neal and his wife, Amy, a much beloved granddaughter, Courtney, a host of nephews and nieces, longtime friend W. B. Speers and countless other friends. Visitation will be held Friday, May 22, 2009 from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at Loving Funeral Home in Churchland. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday in Churchland Baptist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Churchland Baptist Church 3031 Churchland Blvd. Chesapeake, VA 23321 or to the VFW Post #9382 4301 Pughsville Rd. Suffolk, VA 23435.