Robert Asberry Griffin III

Robert was born January 22, 1941, to Goldie and Robert A. Griffin Jr. He graduated as salutatorian from Stonewall High and earned an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with focus in Thermal and Cryogenic Design from Louisiana Tech University. He was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and PI TAU SIGMA International Honor Society for Mechanical Engineers.

He enjoyed a 38-year career as a Senior Member of Technical Staff and Thermal Design Team Leader with Texas Instruments. As a steppingstone into retirement, he worked as a Senior Principal Consulting Engineer with Raytheon Systems. His proudest career contributions were designing the thermal systems for Voyager 2 and other NASA spacecraft and being part of the Texas Instruments FLIR Forward-Looking Infrared Wings Team.

‘Berry’ was born in Gadsden, Alabama, then raised on a farm in Stonewall, Louisiana with three brothers and two sisters. He built and nurtured his family and engineering career in Plano, TX and retired to Austin, TX to play an active part in the lives of his five grandchildren. He is survived by his sister Ada ‘Cindy’ L. Prudhome and preceded in death by his sister Carolyn ‘Cissy’ Bice and brothers Clarence ‘Skippy’ E. Bice Jr., Robert ‘Buddy’ F. Bice, and Bryant R. Griffin Sr.

Our Papa wore many hats…son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, friend, and colleague. In every role he gave unwavering commitment and support, always raising his hand to help, and meeting so many wonderful friends along the way. We loved his contagious wit, billion-dollar smile, dapper mustache, meticulous sense of style, love of good food, endless supply of corny jokes and bear hugs. His love of family and spending time together was paramount.

Dad worked hard and put in a lot of hours but when he was home, he enjoyed connecting with his community through Lions Club, Indian Princesses, serving Christ United Methodist Church as a Sunday School Teacher and Financial Committee Member, acting as a Coach and Judge for the Winston Solar Car Challenge, and being a Planoette Photo Dad.

When Bob found moments of relaxation, he was an avid snow skier, golfer, pie enthusiast, gardener, and family videographer. He enjoyed big family meals, pet sitting for all the family pets, and never missed a game or performance as sideline coach and our biggest fan. He loved New Orleans Jazz and Classic Country Music. Family vacation time was precious for us all. Dad was very present and playful during our adventures and made sure we always had time to escape.

Every hug, text, email, letter, card or sticky note included these words…I love you more, what can I do to help, how are you, thank you, proud of you, what can I bring, love you and yours, sleep well, love you bunches, I miss you, hugs for all…including the pups, hope to see you soon.

Robert is survived by his daughters Jennifer Harvey and Susan Gordon (husband, Rob), and their mother, Harriet Maun. He is also survived by his five grandchildren: Erika, Travis, and Kendall Harvey; Greta and Eliza Gordon; two nieces; four nephews and finally, all his grand puppies.

A special thank you to his wonderful caregivers across the last 18 months who loved him, cooked all his favorites, listened to his ideas and jokes, and hugged him when we could not be there.

Robert’s life will be celebrated in a special small family gathering. We hope family and friends will contribute to his life celebration by sharing your favorite memories and pictures with Robert.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Austin Pets Alive. Dad would have gladly adopted them all if he could and will rest better knowing more lives are filled with pet love. https://donate.austinpetsalive.org/give/420815/#!/donation/checkout

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wcfishnorth.com for the Griffin family.