Wow. I was just thinking about Dr. Griggs. I graduated in 2010 so it has been quite awhile. So disheartened to see of his passing but want to reiterate other students in how influential he was. He brought joy and entertainment to topics that normally wouldn’t see it (business law). Even over a decade later I’m proud of the 2 moose awards I won during his class. ❤️

Many of the memories shared here refer to Dr. Griggs’ strong interest in the history of Richmond.  They suggest he was a lifelong Richmond-area resident.  One contribution here comes from a female classmate of Walter’s at the Ginter Park School in the 1940s.  

Nobody mentions that he lived in New Hampshire in 1974.  His job there was issuing licenses to dog owners.  Walter traveled from New Hampshire to New York City where he met baseball player / tell-it-like-it-is author Jim Bouton.  

When Walter told this story more than 20 years later, he pronounced Jim’s last name as Boo - ton, with the accent on the first syllable.   Would anyone like more details about the New Hampshire phase of Walter Griggs’ career?

Two years without dear Walter, a gentleman in the  true sense: a  gentle man. He visited me a few times in the Fan District.  He was interested in Richmond history and wrote about it at length. He always called me "Sir." He was particularly interested in my Civil War cousins, Willy, John, and James West Pegram officers in the Army of Northern Virginia. I was named for Cousin Willy.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Griggs Family.  I had the pleasure of talking with Dr. Griggs about a future in Law and Real Estate Law, he gave me great advice and I chose accordingly.  It has been several years since I passed through the halls of VCU, but he remembered me and we had a great chat.  He had a sense of humor that served him well in the Academic world, and to all that knew him.  There are not many that leave an impression that lasts with so many and everyone a very positive one on his behalf and the University.  God Bless him.

Walter, was a friend from our undergraduate days at the U of R, where we debated together.  Walter was one of those few people whom I experienced as always positive, always kind ands thoughtful of others, with an amazing range of interests and an impressive knowledge about all of those interests.  I found his interest in moose the most delightful and tried, without success, to persuade him to research the supposed release of moose in New Zealand, so that I could accompany him tramping through the mountains of  Fiordland in southwest South Island.

Dr. Griggs was my advisor at VCU.   I greatly appreciated his time and efforts during my studies at the University.  

My deepest sympathies to Frances and Cara.

Sincerely,
Rannie Brown
(Formerly, Rannie Williams)

I used to work at VCU's Career Center and sometimes saw students at the School of Business right next door to Dr. Griggs's office.  My conversations with him were always memorable and enjoyable.  He was always thoughtful, funny, charming, and interesting.  He used to visit my colleague and friend Beth Chancy and I at UR and once brought me two of his books after I expressed interest in the Church Hill Tunnel.  I came away from every conversation with him having learned something.  He had a unique ability to make an impact though every even small interaction he had with anyone.  What an incredible thing.  I feel so fortunate to have known him.  He will be missed.  

Walter claimed me as his oldest friend—that is, in length of friendship. We started Ginter Park School together in the fall of 1946 and graduated from TJHS in June 1959. There were others who followed this path, but he felt I was the only one with whom he kept up the friendship from then until just before his final illness. While college took us in different directions we still remained friends. Then in more recent years we were in contact more often. I’ve said he was my Google before there was Google. I remember talking with my husband one day, naming diseases prevalent in our childhood. We discussed scarlet fever, wondering why it was no longer a problem. What to do? Cal Walter and ask him.  I have so many memories of him from years ago including from 5th grade with our teacher Miss Moore, when we studied explorers and he wrote this poem: “Balboa walked in the door, saw Miss Moore, fell through the floor, and that was the end of poor  Balboa.”  In recent years I’ve loved the books he wrote about Richmond and moose and helped him by proofreading a couple of them. I was no more merciful than he said I was in school when we corrected each other’s work. He claimed the red marks I made on his papers were what drove him to succeed as an author. He was a unique, spiritual person with a great sense of humor. He saw the ridiculous in life and would often tell me about it. I will miss his calls and emails and seeing him from time to time. A treasured part of my life is gone. Rest In Peace, Walter. Hope there will be some Mickey Mouse ears you can wear in heaven for special occasions.

I have known this fine man for a long time. We have laughed at each other’s jokes and smiled at each other when we were down. I have always marveled at his beautiful relationship with his wife Frances, I will miss him and so will my staff, we were all very sad to hear of his passing. Love and prayers to you all.

Mr. Griggs was the best teacher I ever had!  He taught my Business Law class at VCU and I will never forget him.  It was always a pleasure to see him at the Richmond Octoberfest as well.  I never thought I would meet someone else who shared my love of moose!  It was an honor to know him and I learned so much from him.  What a GREAT guy....  Rest in Peace, Mr. Griggs!

I worked for Dr. Griggs in the School of Business at VCU.  He was warm and welcoming from day one, and led the department with integrity and a sense of humor!  He was certainly one of my favorite bosses and after I moved from VA back to PA, we still kept in touch on Facebook and with Christmas cards.  Before I left, he gifted me with one of his moose books and a wooden moose Christmas ornament that still hangs on my tree.  He was a great man and I, among many, will never forget him!  I know the Lord is welcoming him with open arms! RIP

Dean Griggs is one of my favorite memories of my “fine VCU education” as he called it.  I would  affectionately  describe him to others as a cross between Albert Einstein and Foghorn Leghorn.  His love of moose and the Titanic were legendary.  I was so fortunate to be a student as an adult.  My husband, daughter and I would often see the Griggs family at Casa Grande after church on Sundays.  We would visit and catch up.  I always knew he was as proud of me as anyone I’d known.  He once told my husband, “It is a pleasure having your wife in my class.”  The pleasure was all mine Dean Griggs - I know you were met in Heaven with a “Well done my good and faithful servant” from God.  See you there some sweet day.   May your family find comfort knowing how loved you are.

Walter was truly an amazing man.  I’ve known him for many years working at yardbirds and always was excited to see him and his family pull up to the shop.  Every time he left I had always learned something new.  He will be greatly missed 

Dr. Griggs was a great friend to Henrico Fire. He and Cara would stop by station 9 , we had great talks and looked forward to his visits.

Dr. Griggs was a wonderful teacher and person. When I was at VCU in the early 1980s, Dr Griggs was one of my professors. Not only did he make every class interesting and enjoyable, but he went above and beyond on a personal level. I had never heard of hospice before then, but Dr Griggs was active in hospice services and allowed me to accompany him on a few visits to hospice patients. The one I remember the most was a young man who loved the Richmond Braves and Dr Griggs went to them and got an autographed hat, baseball and glove to take to the young man. He cried and was so happy for these gifts. He died two weeks later and was buried with his Richmond Braves memorabilia.  That was the awesomeness that was Dr Griggs. I'm thankful for knowing him.

Mr. Griggs was always the nicest man. He always had a kind word and a good story. I enjoyed his moose stories and seeing him at different functions.  I always learned from him.

Walter was a part of my growing up at St. John's UCC. The youth group was a close knit group who spent a lot of time together. I last saw Walter at St. John's 175th anniversary in Oct '18. It had been a long time since we had seen each other since I moved from Richmond at age 17. I remember Walter's gift for gab and he had a great sense of humor.  Recently we had kept in touch with each other by email. He wrote several works about Richmond mentioning my father, Dr. A.W. Newell. I sent him remembrances
of Daddy and his time in Richmond. I will miss my contact with Walter. My sympathy goes out to his family at this time. I pray God gives you the strength to face the future, and the blessings of warm memories.   

Walter hired me in 1978 into the Department of Business Administration and Management.  I had the privilege to work with him in four different departments as the School was reorganized over the years, plus working with him while he served as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies.  I never remember ever being in conflict with him over all of these years, even though we did not always agree.  He knew how to disagree without being disagreeable.  He upheld standards and was dedicated to providing a quality education to our students and maintaining a congenial work environment.  He was a true team player who cared about the university and its role of teaching, service and research.  I knew that I could go to him to ask his advice and that he would tell me the truth.  John 13:35 says, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  Walter was a disciple of Jesus Christ, which he demonstrated by the way he expressed God’s grace and love to everyone.    

Walter was gracious to a fault. He knew way more about the Pegram family than we did but now after his writing and speaking on the subject we have no excuse not to remember John and Willy Pegram, starting with the memorial windows in the Confederate Chapel.  Pegram Johnson III


My condolences to Dr. Griggs' family and friends.  It's been over 25 years since I enjoyed a class with Dr. Griggs and conversation about Richmond's history.  Dr. Griggs always seem to have a mischievous comment or laugh that made his students love to hear his stories.  Godspeed, Dr. Griggs, you've touched many lives through the years.  Mine included.  May the family find comfort and peace during his homecoming.

I remember Walter from Thomas Jefferson High School as well as the University Of Richmond. He was a friend to whomever he came in contact. Walter was a prize student wherever he set his mind. He will be greatly missed. His legacy lives on in his work and students. 
RIP Walter !

OBITUARIO

Walter Samuel Griggs, Jr.

29 octubre, 1940 – 30 junio, 2019

Woody Funeral Home-Parham

Muestre su apoyo

Comparta Un Recuerdo

Comparta
Un Obituario

Obtenga actualizaciones

Servicios