David Edward Griffin

David Edward Griffin, 83, longtime resident of Oak Harbor, died Sept. 26, 2003, at Whidbey General Hospital following a lengthy illness.

Mr. Griffin was born in Athens, Ala., on Sept. 24, 1920, to Albert Griffin and Mamie Suanna (Sinyard) Griffin. He was raised in Athens, where he graduated from high school. At age 20, David entered the U.S. Navy, and served during World War II and the Korean Conflict. His duty stations included NAS Sand Point, NAS Klamath Falls, Atlanta, Ga. and Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, where he retired as a chief petty officer. Following his retirement from the Navy, he entered civil service as a fireman for NAS Whidbey Fire Department, retiring as fire chief in 1974.

Aug. 4, 1996, David married his longtime friend and companion Sharon Ann Riksen. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and cooking. He was a member of the National Rifle Association.

David is survived by his wife, Sharon, at home in Oak Harbor; two daughters, Dawn Michelle Phipps of Oak Harbor and Marcella Cheetah of Seattle; two sons, Ronald Griffin of Oak Harbor and Albert Griffin of Clearwater, Fla.; one sister, Elizabeth Aldridge of Athens, Ala.; one brother, Villard Griffin of Gulf Breeze, Fla.; also, numerous other relatives. He was preceded in death by a sister, Jewell Leopard.

A private family graveside service will be held Wednesday, Oct. 1, at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Cmdr. Fred H. Renfroe, CHC, USN (Ret.) officiating. Military honors will be under the auspices of NAS Whidbey Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Washington, 10323 S.E. 13th Place, Bellevue, WA 98004-6726. Arrangements by Burley Funeral Chapel.