Don Griffis passed away on October 3, 2022 at the age of 80.
He was born in Lubbock, Texas on August 1, 1942 but grew up in San Angelo following the family’s move from Lubbock. Don attended college at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. While at Sewanee, he played football for four years and was on the unbeaten, untied 1963 team that was subsequently inducted into the Sewanee Football Hall of Fame. Don thrived in the atmosphere of learning while at Sewanee and graduated in 1964 with honors and Phi Beta Kappa.
Don went on to attend law school at the University of Texas. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. Upon entering active duty, he was assigned to the legal office at Force Logistics Command in Vietnam. His duties included both legal service for the troops and trial work for the command, both as a defense counsel and as a prosecutor. He also volunteered to serve as the Commanding Officer for the camp’s Provisional Rifle Company, assigned to provide security and defense for the base. When he rotated home, Don was awarded the Bronze Star, the Combat Action Ribbon and the Vietnamese Cross of Galantry.
When Don was discharged in 1969, he became a law clerk to U.S. District Judge Joe Estes in Dallas for a year and then returned to San Angelo to practice law with his father as a trial lawyer. Don enjoyed the practice of law and considered it a privilege. He tried cases throughout West Texas, from El Paso to Fort Stockton, Del Rio, Midland, Odessa, and from Abilene to Dallas/Fort Worth. In the course of his career, he found that courtesy and preparation made the difference. He retired from the practice of law in 2018.
When thinking of Don, certain things come to mind: the yellow convertible Karmann Ghia; his laugh; working out; golden retrievers; passion for history; and his love for family, friends, and community. The Karmann Ghia was a constant in his life from the time he bought it in 1973 until its demise in 2019. It may not have had air conditioning or a heater, but it was road worthy enough to drive his bride, Prissy, to Aculpuco, Mexico on their honeymoon.
Don’s laugh was truly one of a kind, and it was easy to know when he was in the room. He loved life and loved to laugh, often at himself. He also loved his exercise. Don ran 35 marathons, numerous half-marathons, and regularly could be seen walking his golden retrievers in the neighborhood. His love of exercise extended to the YMCA, where hardly a day went by that he was not there to lift weights and socialize.
If you ever had a question about the Civil War or World War II, Don had the answer. He was an avid reader of military history, and his love for history extended to the military artifacts he collected that would make any museum jealous. Don also published his memoirs from the Vietnam War in his book “Eagle Days.”
Nothing was more important to him than serving his family and community, which he did with compassion, honor, and grace. Don was a constant and loving husband to Prissy. He left a note for his wife that reads: “Thank you, Prissy, for humoring me in my many activities. You are the best wife, mother, and grandmother that could ever be imagined. I love you dearly.”
Don’s love for his family also included his four children and grandchildren. You could always count on him to help coach one of their sports teams or teach their Sunday School classes. He also wanted to make sure that his children understood the world beyond San Angelo, and he prioritized taking them on trips to enjoy new cultures and to serve others through mission trips. Don felt strongly about education and was so proud of the educations his children were able to receive. Through all of these acts, Don imparted the importance of giving back to the community to make the world a better place.
Don’s true passion was serving others. He volunteered on numerous boards, councils, and associations and was recognized as Citizen of the Year by both the Chamber of Commerce and the Boy Scouts of America. His true passions were the YMCA, the Boy Scouts of America, the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of the Concho Valley, and Good Shepherd Episcopal Church. He loved helping others and loved helping organizations that give back to the community.
Don was preceded in death by his father, William A. Griffis, Jr., his mother, Dorothy Griffis, his brother, Bill Griffis, his sister, Sallie Griffis Helms, and his beloved Karmann Ghia.
Don is survived by his wife, Priscilla Chase Griffis; his son Will Griffis and wife Leslie; son Jim Griffis and wife Lindsay; daughter Abby Cox and husband Jason; and son John Griffis and wife Elena. He is also survived by seven grandchildren.
Don’s memorial service will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in San Angelo, Texas on October 8 at 10:00a.m. A visitation will be held at Harper’s Funeral Home on Friday, October 7, 2022 from 5:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to YMCA of San Angelo, Texas Southwest Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of the Concho Valley, or Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in San Angelo.
Family and friends may share condolences at www.harper-funeralhome.com.
Visitation
Friday, October 07, 2022
5:00PM - 7:00PM
Harper Funeral Home
2606 Southland Boulevard
San Angelo, TX 76904
Memorial Service
Saturday, October 08, 2022
10:00AM
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
3 S. Randolph St.
San Angelo, TX 76903
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