Griffin, Joshua David Jr. "Dave", 89, of Ridge Manor, Florida, passed away on September 13, 2020. He was born in Williamston, NC on August 26, 1931 to Elsie Green and Joshua David Griffin. Dave always loved to tell people he was from Bear Grass, a tiny nearby township. He was the second child and first boy. His older sister, Suzanne was 2 years old when he was born. The second sister, Billie Elise was next, then his little brother, Cleo Green Griffin (named for his grandfather Cleophus, and old NC family in the tobacco area of Eastern North Carolina). Dave's Dad died at the age of 30 of Uremic poisoning (before antibiotics), leaving Elsie wth four little children ages 7, 5, 3, 1, and a farm to run. She sold the farm and moved the family to Elizabeth City, NC for her new job as Restaurant Inspector for the State of North Carolina. They later moved to St. Petersburg, FL where three of the kids finished school at St. Petersburg High School. Dave joined the Air Force after high school, serving four years learning Electronics and participating in early rocket testing from Cape Canaveral. After his military service, he worked for WSUN TV in St. Pete doing AV for locally produced programs such as Captain Mac (McCarty) and Salty Sol Fleishman. He also had his own TV Repair Business. He was employee #25 when Honeywell came to Clearwater, Florida. He worked in and old Quonset hut on 66th Street while the physical plant was under construction.. He worked hard and used his "can-do" attitude and creative skills to set up his "Skunk Works" Department. He was thrilled to complete projects "under-budget and ahead of schedule"! His work ethic was rewarded by the company over the years until he attained position of Manager. He loved working for Honeywell and retired after 33 years of service.

Dave was married on September 8, 1960 to Marjorie Arlene Brown and soon added three sons to the family, Joshua David III, Steven Leslie, and Kenneth Edward. He recently celebrated his 60th Anniversary. Dave was active in the Clearwater Jaycees, a community service club. Once "kidnapped" a young couple passing through town, presenting them with a complementary weekend. He loved sports and was Pitcher for the Honeywell slow-pitch softball team. He loved nature , always having a garden. He began camping with his sons to historic sites and National Parks. He joined the Florida HiLofers, camping monthly in Florida and annually to National rallies all over the USA.

Dave had a wonderful life! He lived to 89 years old! He was baptized by Rev. Duckett at Central Baptist Church in St. Pete, when he was young. We were active in Skycrest Baptist Church, Clearwater, and currently members of First Baptist Ridge Manor.

Dave was in electronics by profession, but built his two story home on the River with his Engineering, Carpentry, Electrical, and Plumbing skills. He did it all. He has lived life his way: fishing, boating, gardening, and his workshop. He has enjoyed every day and had a "good ride". Thank you, God for this amazing husband, father, and grandfather. May he now rest in joy and peace with you.

He is survived by wife, Marjorie; 2 sons, David and Steven(Sarah); and 5 grandchildren, Shelby, Lauren, Danielle, Brooke, and Reagan. He was predeceased by his son Kenneth (Jennifer).

Family will receive friends from 10 am until service time at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church Ridge Manor on Saturday, September 26. He will be interred at Florida National Cemetery on Monday, September 28 at 10 a.m. with full military honors.

Visitation

First Baptist Church of Ridge Manor

Saturday, September 26, 2020 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 34132 Ridge Manor Boulevard Ridge Manor, Florida 33523 Directions Funeral Service

First Baptist Church of Ridge Manor

Saturday, September 26, 2020 11:00 AM 34132 Ridge Manor Boulevard Ridge Manor, Florida 33523 Directions Graveside Service

Florida National Cemetery

Monday, September 28, 2020 10:00 AM 6502 SW 102nd Avenue Bushnell, Florida 33513 Directions