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Edward Perry Griffing, age 83, of Fairfax, Virginia, died at his home on Saturday, December 31, 2016 from a sudden heart attack. He was born June 2, 1933 and grew up in Palm Springs, California. He was an Eagle Scout and played the sousaphone in high school.
In 1960, he married the former Kennon Ayer Hatcher of Macon, Georgia while stationed in Charleston, South Carolina.
Edward graduated from The Leland Stanford Junior University in Palo Alto, California with a Bachelor of Science (1954) and a Master of Science (1955) degree both in mathematics using a 4 year NROTC scholarship. He had minors in French, German and Russian. After Stanford, he served over 22 years as a naval officer on both surface ships and submarines. He was the commanding officer on the ballistic missile nuclear submarines U.S.S. George C. Marshall (SSBN 654) (1968-70) and U.S.S. Sam Houston (SSBN 609) (1970-72) during the Cold War. He retired from the Navy with the rank of Commander in 1977. In 1976, he completed a Master of Business Administration from Memphis State University. He worked as a utility executive for the next 12 years with the Detroit Edison Company developing and operating the Enrico Fermi nuclear power plant. He obtained certification as a senior reactor operator in 1978. In 1981 he became a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan.
In 1990 he and his wife Kennon moved to Fairfax, Virginia. He worked over 10 years as a Secret Shopper evaluating employee and store performance for Giant of Maryland. He worked as a tax preparer with H&R Block for 10 years and became certified as an enrolled agent with the Internal Revenue Service in 1998. From 2000 onward he ran his own tax preparation business as a sole proprietor and enrolled agent. He was a member of the Virginia Society for Enrolled Agents (VASEA) and the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA). At 70, he taught himself Spanish and enjoyed watching Univision and Telemundo to relax.
He was a contributing member of the Republican Party and attended numerous Stanford class reunions. He was a member of the USS Sam Houston Veterans’ Association and met regularly with fellow crew mates. He was an active member of the Penderbrook home owners’ association for many years both as a representative of The Greens golf course and on the PCA board. He was largely responsible for the Penderbrook fitness center which serves as a big draw to that community. He enjoyed traveling the world with his wife later in life, this time above the water line. He took many photographs and learned to dance the tango.
He is survived by his wife, Kennon Ayer Hatcher Griffing; his daughter, Kathleen Ayer (Harold) Craig; his daughter Elizabeth Anne Griffing; his grandson Harold Potter Craig, IV; and many cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Stanton Griffing and Elizabeth Perry Griffing.
A funeral service will be held at 12 pm on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at Demaine Funeral Home in Fairfax, Virginia with a reception to follow. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Demaine Funeral Home – Fairfax.
January 26, 2017
Kenneth Whitley Sr, EA
I am very sorry to hear about Ed passing away and want to extend my sincere condolences to his family and friends. I consider it a privilege to have known him and associated with him in various meetings and events.
January 24, 2017
Leigh and Bruce Pomponio
Our deepest condolences to the Griffing family. We met Ed several years ago when he began doing our taxes but over the years, our relationship became a friendship. Ed was a true Renaissance man with so many interests and areas of expertise. Such a pleasure to spend time with him! We will miss him.
January 23, 2017
Shreya Patel
I am a friend of Kathleen. Although I never had the fortune of meeting Captain Griffing, I have certainly heard many wonderful stories about him through Kathleen. My deepest to the Family.
The Patel Family
January 23, 2017
Randy Fleitman
Kathleen, I cannot come to the memorial service from Brasilia, but I wanted to say that Ed was a fine man and a great neighbor. He demonstrated how to be an active and committed member of the community. He was always ready to provide advice on lawn and yard care, giving me the benefit of his and your Mom's experience.
After one of the big snowstorms, we cross country skied around the neighborhood. He told me how he used to do this in Michigan.
Last Thanksgiving, my elderly aunt walked into their house by mistake, and your parents welcomed and took care of her until we realized she was missing and came looking for her.
We will miss Ed.
January 21, 2017
Howard Boone
Served with Captain Griffing aboard USS Sam Houston SSBN 609. He presented me with my dolphins. Proud to have known him.
January 21, 2017
"Our sincere condolences. Ed was my commanding officer on USS Sam Houston back in the early 70s. Ed was a fine man who I came to highly respect. Ed and his family are in our prayers." Rear Admiral Mike & Renee Coyle
January 18, 2017
Isatu Hyde
My deepest condolences Kennon. Ed was a true friend and mentor. I shall miss him dearly.
I met Ed at a step class we both took on a Sunday morning. He was a riot in that class always coming up with a fancy footwork routine. We applauded him many times. Later he began to attend my yoga class where he excelled.
His spirit of adventure, curiosity, and generosity endeared me to him.
On behalf of all of us at Bally's Total Fitness who had the privilege of taken classes with him and instructing him, I extend our deepest sympathies to the Griffing family. He will be sorely missed.
Sincerely,
Isatu Hyde (Isa)
January 17, 2017
Bill Mayer
My condolences to the Griffing family on the passing of Captain Griffing. I served with him onboard the Sam Houston. Sincerely, Bill Mayer CS3{SS}
January 17, 2017
Bill Mayer
January 11, 2017
I was sorry to hear about Captian Griffing. I served on the Sam Houston with him and he was a good Commanding Officer who always set a good example for us. My wife Donna and I enjoyed visiting with Ed & Kennon during the reunions, and we wish to offer our prayers and sympathy to the family.
Don & Donna Kassakatis
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