Jerry L. Griffith

Jerry L. Griffith, age 82, passed away on June 17, 2025, at his home in Manassas, VA. He was born on March 27, 1943, in Charleston, WV to the late Alma Marie Phillips and Clarence Griffith. Survivors include his beloved wife of 61 years, Anna Marie Griffith; Siblings: Nancy Cox of Florida, Bill & Grace Ore of Clendenin, WV, Dwight & Jane Griffith of Philadelphia, PA; Children: Cheryl & Mark Croyle of Fredericksburg, Ed & Lisa Griffith of Chesapeake, and Jerry & Michelle Griffith of Orlando, Florida; Grandchildren: Jessica & Guy, Matthew & Amanda, Edward & Kortney, Allison, Olivia, Anne Marie, & Emma Joshua & Alyssa, Easton & Max; as well as three great grandchildren and Numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, & friends. Jerry was a Catholic gentleman who lived his faith, loved his family and was fiercely proud of them, and enjoyed many sports throughout his life. He was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in Manassas, Virginia and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Jerry leaves behind his siblings: Nancy Cox of Florida, Bill and Grace Ore of WV and Dwight and Jane of Philadelphia, PA. He had six children, after his own had married, fourteen grandchildren including spouses, three great-grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. The word “in-law” was not in his vocabulary as he treated everyone like family. Jerry enjoyed the many birthdays, graduations, weddings, holidays, and concerts that he attended with his family. In April, he traveled to Disney World to watch Emma’s high school orchestra perform there. In May, Jerry Brian and Easton surprised him with third row seats to see his favorite band AC/DC. Jerry was a devoted father and invested his time not only in his children, but the children of Hurricane, West Virginia. When asked why he did this, despite his own son being first string, Jerry replied “in high school, I was third string on a two-string team”. In 1973, he and Anna Marie created an organization, the Hurricane Baseball League, where each child played the entire game. No one sat on the bench and no child was turned away due to financial limitations. His selflessness created an impact upon his children who also volunteered in the organization. In 1984, Jerry transferred with AT&T from Charleston, WV to Oakton, VA. Despite the distance, Jerry flew home every Friday, with roses for Anna Marie, to record Ed’s Hurricane High School football games. He continued to make the trek back and forth until June of 1986, when the family moved to Manassas, Virginia. While the distance from family was difficult, the move provided opportunities that were impactful. Cheryl graduated and met her husband, Mark. Ed graduated and met his wife, Lisa. Jerry Brian became an entrepreneur and met his wife, Michelle. With a growing family, Jerry was determined to build a home with enough space for everyone to visit. In 1991, the home was complete, and Jerry’s dream became a reality. He poured his heart and sweat into its completion. After retiring from AT&T, Jerry worked for Comtek Telecommunications in Chantilly, VA. When the company downsized, he had one dream left of owning a business. As Phenix Salon Suites sold franchises, Jerry persuaded Anna Marie to purchase a franchise in Ocala, Florida and later another location in West Hills, California. Jerry was a remarkable man who lived his faith each and every day. As a parishioner of All Saints Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus, he treated everyone with kindness and worked each week to raise funds to benefit others. Jerry faithfully prepared tickets for twice-weekly bingo games and enjoyed spending time with his “Bingo family”. Throughout his time on earth, Jerry worked to create a unique family where love, hard work, and thinking of others was the gold standard. His parents, actually in-laws, O.C. and Anna Ore, were influential in teaching him that family and faith were invaluable. Their support of yearly Myrtle Beach vacations demonstrated to Jerry that family time was precious. When the Ore’s passed, Jerry recognized that it was his turn to provide vacations for his children. Whether it was Disney World or a week in Duck, NC, the children and grandchildren gathered to enjoy the company of their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Family dinners, conversations, and bingo games were the highlights that we have as treasured memories. Our family treasures the many years and experiences that we had with Jerry. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hurricane Baseball League, P.O. Box 159 Hurricane, West Virginia 25526.

Jerry L. Griffith

March 27, 1943 - June 17, 2025