Gerald Gregg Griswold

Gerald Gregg Griswold, 75, passed away on Tuesday, February 23rd, 2021. Gerald was born on October 1st, 1945 in Jacksonville, Florida to the late Ardis Eileen Gregg Griswold and Loren Willard Griswold. After graduating from Technical High School in 1964, Gerald attended Florida State College at Jacksonville (formerly, FCCJ) where he continued to explore his passion for computer science – an interest that pervaded many of his hobbies. For the duration of his career, Gerald was employed by the Florida National Bank as a data processing programmer, prior to his retirement in September of 1994 as a result of health complications. Gerald was instrumental in developing the ATM programs that were operated by the Florida National Bank. He spent many nights on-call, providing technical support for ATMs throughout the state.

It was during his time at the bank that Gerald would meet his beloved wife, Jackie (Hutchinson). After dating for over a year and attending church together, Gerald and Jackie exchanged their marital vows in 1970. For the entirety of their marriage, Jackie acted as Gerald’s caretaker and advocate. Their marriage produced two daughters, Christine and Pamela. Gerald was an affectionate and loving father who always put his children first. He filled his daughters’ lives with joy and laughter. His positive outlook on life helped him face his most difficult battles.

He fought a courageous battle against myriad health complications as a result of juvenile (Type 1) diabetes. He would later receive kidney and pancreas transplants from Emory University and the University of Minnesota, respectively. Despite the adversity he faced, Gerald was truly a fighter and was determined to surmount obstacles. Due to Gerald’s strength, he received the nickname, “Rambo.”

To those who knew him, Gerald had an affinity for oldies music, including the works of The New Christy Minstrels, The Statler Brothers, and The Gaither Vocal Band. What was perhaps his greatest treasure was his collection of records – all of which he had accounted for. Gerald could frequently be found in a rocking chair, sitting on his patio watching the birds, or working to care for his lawn and Crepe myrtles. In addition to his music interests, travelling to the mountains on a road trip was the ideal vacation to Gerald.

Gerald could often be found tinkering with his tools and fixing things that would be overlooked by most. He was a handyman in the truest sense of the word. He enjoyed working on various projects with his grandsons, Matthew and Noah. Gerald had a wealth of knowledge but was always a humble individual who derived his happiness from spending time with family and enjoying records with his children and grandchildren in his man cave.

Gerald was affectionately known as Poppy by his seven grandchildren, who held a special place in his heart. His greatest joy was spending time with his family with boardgames – Trouble, Checkers, and Rako were favorites amongst his grandchildren. This is how they spent quality time with their Poppy.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Ardis and Loren W. Griswold; and his brother, David Oscar Griswold. Gerald is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jackie H. Griswold; brother, Loren Griswold; sister, Eileen; daughters, Christine Clifton (Raymond) and Pamela Tyrrell-Lewis (Kenneth); grandchildren, Ann Clifton, Catherine Clifton, Matthew Tyrrell II, Grace Clifton, Hannah Tyrrell, Noah Tyrrell, and Adeline Lewis.

Gerald will be dearly missed by all who knew him. The void left in the hearts of his wife, daughters, and grandchildren can never be filled. We love you Poppy!

A private family visitation and funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 27th, followed by interment at Hardage-Giddens The Oaklawn Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.