David John Griffith

David John Griffith passed away peacefully on November 12, 2015. David was born on September 2, 1959 in Woodstock, Illinois. After his boyhood days in Chicago as a Cubs fan he grew up in Great Falls, Virginia.

His life-long career as an entrepreneur started at the age of 14. Traveling to the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. daily, he dressed in a suit and tie with briefcase in hand to trade stamps and coins. During high school at Langley, he worked at the C.I.A. covert cafeteria, bussing tables amidst a lunchtime crowd of clandestine officers. David moved to Texas for his senior year, graduating from Austin High School in 1977. During this period of time, he worked for the Texas State Senate.

David enrolled at Texas Tech University, and at the same time started a home restoration business, completing work on many fine homes. While in Lubbock he prevented a convenience store armed robbery, putting himself in danger to protect others and ultimately receiving a commendation from the Lubbock Police Department. There are too many examples to mention of David's commitment to act, while others hesitated.

Beginning with his relocation to Austin in 1984, David owned three successful computer businesses, later a security camera company, and most recently worked with energy and defense-related ventures in Houston. He took great pride in completing the detailed restoration of a Texas State Cemetery monument. He loved meeting people, getting to know them, and sharing stories. David lived life on his own terms and was a rugged individualist.

David is predeceased by his father Howard Griffith Sr. Survivors include his wife Ellen Byrd Griffith, mother Mitzi D. Griffith, five siblings Howard Griffith Jr., (Susan) Debbie Griffith, Harry Durland Griffith (Idona), Tom Griffith (Marcia) , and Mitzi Griffith Macomber (Richard). Also left to mourn his loss are thirteen nieces and nephews and their families, his Aunt Mary and Aunt Joan, and many cousins, for whom he cared deeply. His beloved Wire-Haired Fox Terrier, Kati Mae, still watches and waits for him to come home.

A celebration of David's life is planned for Saturday, December 5th at 11AM, St. Stephen's Episcopal School Chapel, 6500 St. Stephens Drive, Austin, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

MD Anderson Cancer Center

P.O. Box 4486

Houston, TX 77210-4486

* Please include the name of David John Griffith / Pancreatic Research with your memorial gift.

-Or the charity of your choice.

David, while it is painfully quiet here on Earth, we can hear you talking in Heaven as you share your stories with all of your loved ones there.