From the Family: David Lee Griffin, 1956-2009

Hello Everyone!

I would like to first thank everyone for their love and support during this difficult time. My family feels a true sense of peace listening to and hearing all of the stories that have been shared about Dad. This exchange has helped us cope with this incredible loss.

As some of you know, David Lee Griffin passed away on January 3, 2009, at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas from complications due to leukemia. He bravely and courageously fought the cancer since September 2007, keeping his faith and positive outlook during several rounds of chemotherapy.

Dave was born on July 31, 1956, in Lorraine, Texas. He grew up in nearby Roscoe, Texas and graduated from Roscoe High School (he was a proud Roscoe Plowboy!). Dave then joined the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country while stationed at the barracks at 8th and I, in Washington, D.C. as a member of the Silent Drill Team. While in the Marine Corps, he met his wife Cindi and they were married on May 18, 1978. After he completed his tour of duty, Dave and his family settled in Northern Virginia, where they lived for over 25 years. Dave held several jobs, but was primarily a Direct Sales/Account Representative for Media General Cable/Cox Communications in Northern Virginia.

Second to his family, playing Frisbee was the love of Dave’s life. He played in many tournaments and exhibition events around the country and also competed in world championships in United States, Canada, and Sweden. He held multiple titles and championships on national and state levels. Dave was not just a competitor, but was a true ambassador of the sport. He always made an effort to introduce kids to the sport of Frisbee (including his daughters), and encouraged everyone to participate in tournaments and other overall events. Thus he was popular in the Frisbee community, where he is affectionately known as “Big Daddy”. Dave also had a true love for music stemming back to the early 1980’s when he worked at WAVA Radio Station in Arlington, Virginia as their Music Research Director. This love for music is carried on through his children and God child, Mackenzie Grace.

Dave and his family later moved to Mandeville, Louisiana, where Dave became a franchise owner with Snap-On Tools. Dave worked extremely hard and kept all of his customers in Louisiana and southern Mississippi happy while running the competition out of town. He was a Top 100 dealer in the United States, and received numerous other awards from Snap-On for his achievements.

Dave leaves behind his wife, Cindi Frenger Griffin, and two daughters Jennifer (30) and Lauren (26), who will always have fond memories of him and of their time together as a family. He is also survived by his mother, Mrs. Charles (Anna) Griffin, a brother, Steve Griffin, a sister, Frances Griffin, and brothers Russell Stone, Robert Stone, and Mark Griffin. Dave was very proud of his family, especially his wife and two daughters who ran the Snap-On business while he was in the hospital.

Dave Griffin’s Celebration of Family and Life will be held at St. Timothy’s Methodist Church in Mandeville, LA on Saturday, January 17th 2009 at 11:00am. There will be a Pre-service and family visitation starting at 10:00am so that you may give your condolences to the family. There will also be a reception and lunch to follow the service.

A Memorial Fund/Foundation will be established in Dave’s honor to continue his legacy. Dave was a very generous and hard-working man who was always ready and willing to help his family and the community. He was extremely passionate about his work and connecting with others, to the point where friends, his Snap-On Team, and his customers became family. Dave will be deeply missed by all who knew him and whose lives he touched.

Thanks again for all of your support. We are looking forward to seeing you all in the next week. Your presence is truly appreciated.

Cindi, Jennifer, and Lauren Griffin
(504) 416-7985 or (805) 509-8742

St. Timothy’s Methodist Church
335 Asbury Drive
Mandeville, LA 70471
(985) 626-3307

Holiday Inn Suites
501 North Hwy 190
Covington, LA 70433
985) 893-3590

If you need hotel accommodations, we have reserved a block of rooms at The Holiday Inn in Covington, LA. Please mention that you are attending Dave Griffin’s Memorial Service for the discounted rate of $109 per night. The final day to secure this rate is Sunday January 11th. You may contact them via email at spears.holiday@gmail.com or call at (985) 893-3590. If you have any problems please contact us.