Walter Samuel Griggs, Jr.

Griggs, Walter Samuel, Jr., 78, passed away on Sunday, June 30, 2019. Born in Richmond, Virginia, on October 29, 1940, he was the son of the late Walter Samuel Griggs, Sr. and Dorothy Louise Feitig Griggs. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Frances Pitchford Griggs; his daughter, Cara Frances Griggs; his brother, the Rev. Dr. Robert Ware Griggs and his wife, Susan Lindberg Griggs; his sister-in-law, Anne Pitchford Bryant; three nephews, Thomas Henry Griggs (Ana Orduz), David Ellsworth Griggs (Amy), and Frank Allen Bryant, Jr. (Sarah); one niece, Kimberly Anne Brownie (Matthew); two great-nieces, Abigail and Megan Bryant; and two great-nephews, Austin and Ryan Brownie. Higher education was a priority for Walter beginning at the University of Richmond, where he did his undergraduate work and earned his Juris Doctor and Master of Humanities degrees. He also earned a Doctor of Education degree from the College of William and Mary. Walter began his career at the Virginia State Law Library. After several years, he became a lobbyist for Life Insurers Conference. During this time, the thought of teaching kept coming to his mind, and Walter accepted a position at John Tyler Community College. Several years later, he joined the faculty of Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Business. He taught law, history, and religion courses and served as department chairman and as the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies. When Walter retired in 2016 after 45 years, he was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus. During his career, he received several Best Teacher awards. Walter’s legacy was his students, who often kept in touch with him. Walter was the author of a biography of Brig.-Gen. John Pegram, 7 books on Richmond history, and 3 books about moose. He also wrote occasional Op/Ed columns for The Richmond Times-Dispatch. The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 13, 2019, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Parham Chapel of Woody Funeral Home. Services will be held on Sunday, July 14 at 3:00 p.m. at Cannon Memorial Chapel at the University of Richmond. Donations may be made to Virginia Commonwealth University or the University of Richmond. Condolences may be conveyed to the family by scrolling down and clicking the "Add a Memory" button on the left.