Donald Lee Griggs

12/23/1942 – 7/17/2020

Donald Lee Griggs was born on December 23, 1942 to Bertha and Theodore “Peter” Griggs in Waterloo, Iowa.

Don graduated from East Waterloo High School in 1961. Upon graduation, he joined the United States Marine Corps serving from July 1961 to July 1965. Don married his high school sweetheart, Celestine Brown, in March 1965. From this union three children were born: Anthony, Talya, and Nicole. After retiring from the military in July 1965 the family resided in San Bernardino, Ca. Don was employed at Kaiser Steele for a year before moving on to Southern California Edison as a meter reader. After a few years in that position he was promoted to office manager at the “D” Street office.

Don always had an impeccable style for clothing, even as a young man. He partnered with Irv Silver and they opened men’s clothing stores in Riverside and San Bernardino. After closing the two stores, Don went to work for Nordstrom in Montclair where he retired in 2008. While working at Nordstrom Don started designing men’s Afro Centric Neckties, which became “Designed by Don”. Everyone started calling him “The Tie Guy”.

Don was an advocate for the community. If there was something wrong in the work place, city hall, water district, etc., you better believe his face was in the crowd and he would have his say at the mic. He was also a true advocate for the Boy Scouts of America.

On July 17, 2020, Don went home to be with the Lord. He is preceded in death by his son, Anthony, father, Theodore, half-brother, Theodore, and step father, Rufus Crawford.

Don leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 55 years, Celestine; daughters, Talya Griggs-Matthews(Derrick); Nicole Griggs(Steve Garrett); grandchildren, Jasmine Matthews; Diamond Oates(Jazz) and Emerald Matthews; great grandchildren, Jailah Harris, Joseph Harris, and Justice Oates. They will truly miss their Papa. He also leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Bertha Crawford, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family wishes to thank all of those who called, sent cards, flowers, prayers, love and support.