Henry Russell Griffith

Lt Col (Ret) Henry Russell Griffith, more affectionately known as Russ, passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at home surrounded by his family. He was born on December 10, 1946, to parents Catherine Louise and Jesse Herbert Griffith in Anderson, South Carolina. Russ grew up moving around the Southeast United States, graduating high school in Nashville, Tennessee. He attended Vanderbilt University where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Electrical Engineering, and, most importantly, met the love of his life, Darlene.

Upon graduation from college, Russ began a distinguished 23-year career in the United States Air Force. He held numerous positions, including Flight Test & Electronics Engineer, Personnel Program Staff Officer, Acquisitions Management Officer, and Recruiting Squadron Commander. While in the Air Force, Russ earned a Master’s degree in Management from the University of Arkansas and graduated from the Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College. Russ and Darlene gathered many friends throughout their military journey while stationed in Florida, England, Germany, Massachusetts, Illinois, Alabama, New York, and Texas. Following his military retirement, Russ became a Real Estate Agent and Realtor Trainer for Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper Realtor Group in the San Antonio area for almost 20 years. Throughout his life, Russ was a member and leader in the Scottish Rite, the Masonic Lodge, the Alzafar Shrine Motor Patrol, and the Alzafar RV Club. He also enjoyed HAM radios, boating, riding motorcycles, camping with Darlene in their RVs, reading books, and many other hobbies. Russ was active in various churches as he moved around the country and was most recently a member at the St Paul Lutheran Church of Bulverde where he previously served as the President of the Church Council.

Russ made many close relationships throughout his life, but he was most proud of his grandchildren, Abby, Rachel, Henry, and Cash. They brought him great joy and he cherished the time spent surrounding them with his love and wisdom. His legacy of service and love for others will be missed dearly by all of the family and friends he touched during his life. Russ is survived by his loving wife of over 55 years, Darlene Griffith; son Russ Griffith Jr. (Rita) of Universal City, Texas, and son Bryan Griffith (Melanie) of Prosper, Texas. Russ also had two beloved companions, his Miniature Schnauzers, Salty and Pepper. Russ was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Suzann Hughes.

A ceremony at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery will take place on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 1 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life at St Paul’s Lutheran Church of Bulverde at 3 PM on the same day. Attendees to Fort Sam are asked to arrive at the shelter no later than 12:50 PM. In lieu of flowers, the Griffith family would be greatly honored by memorial contributions to the Shriners Children’s Hospital at https://donate.lovetotherescue.org