Edmund Dorr Griffin III

We are saddened to announce that Edmund “Grif” D. Griffin III passed away in Plantation, FL, shortly before sunrise on Sunday, May 5th, 2024, at the age of 73. He was a loyal, caring friend and a generous, thoughtful mentor. Grif’s family and friends will miss him dearly.

Born on July 4th, 1950, on Offutt Air Force Base (Omaha, NE), Grif was an animal lover and passionate guitar player from childhood. Those who spent time with him would remember stories of the band he co-founded with friends, December’s Children, and other bands of his youth: Raspberry Walrus, Touchstone, Public Library, The Makers, and Peachtree. Grif played his guitars any and every chance he could. An average amplifier was too simple for him; even when practicing and playing at home, Grif always built an over-the-top sound system – not to be the loudest around, but because he loved to create something unique.  

While working at Fort Lauderdale nightclubs, Grif’s focus shifted slowly from being a musician to honing his industry-renowned skills as an audio engineer. Grif enjoyed a successful career that included touring with some of the world’s most memorable artists including Jimmy Buffet, Julio Iglesias, and George Benson. Grif always enjoyed a challenge, making a name for himself, and developing into a legend known in the industry for making any audio system sound incredible! Later in his career, Grif was the Head of the Audio Department at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. He was dedicated to giving back to the South Florida performing arts community both through his job and the support he provided outside of it. His passion was admirable, and his willingness to teach his craft encouraged many aspiring engineers. Grif was also the founder of Griffin Theatrical Engineering, which lives on as ShowPro of South Florida, a successful audio/video firm run by Grif’s friends and protégés. 

When Grif wasn’t working, he enjoyed the ocean, outdoor wildlife, and every cat he ever met. Though he was married several times, Grif had no children. He helped the next generations learn and grow by mentoring the youth in his neighborhood as well as the young crew and performers in the theater.

Grif is preceded in death by his parents, Col. Edmund D Griffin, Jr, USAF, and Dorothy Ann Dye Griffin.

Grif is survived by his sister Leslie Griffin (Mike), girlfriend Marijke Adams, protégés and business partners Nicolas Stoner and Adrien Solano, and lifelong friends Prior Powers and Steve Patten.

A barbecue and celebration of Grif’s life will be held on Sunday, June 9th, from 11 am to 2 pm, in the Oak Ridge Hall in Tree Tops Park (3900 SW 100th Ave, Davie, FL 33328). The weekend park entrance fee will be in effect ($3/car for up to 8 persons). All are welcome to come and share their stories about the master storyteller, Grif.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of the organizations below. Grif was deeply involved in the South Florida performing arts community and especially enjoyed working with and supporting children’s theater organizations and activities.

•          Florida Children’s Theater (supported in part by Dance Dimensions) - https://flct.org/donate/  

•          The Performance Project - https://www.theperformanceproject.com/donate.html; can also donate by PayPal (paypal.me/PerformanceProject96) or by Zelle ([email protected]) and include your contact information in the memo section to receive a proof of donation letter.

•          ShowPro of South Florida, Inc, (https://www.showprosfl.com/); to support children’s school performances, contact [email protected]