Richard Quill Griffin, 78, passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.

Richard was born to Ada and Quill Griffin in St. Augustine, FL on December 7, 1945. He rose from humble beginnings to graduate from Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, GA. He went on to study biology at Florida State University and received his doctorate from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. In 1970, Richard enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country proudly before being honorably discharged at the rank of Lieutenant. Following his naval service, Richard moved to Pensacola, FL and founded Gulf Coast Vision Center with his partner and friend Horace Linder. He cared for his patients with kindness and compassion for 38 years before retiring in 2010.

Richard was a loving and dedicated husband. He met his wife, Gayle, while studying at Florida State University, and they were happily married for 53 years. Richard and Gayle raised two sons, Steven and Michael, and have four grandchildren, Grey, Charlie, Ada, and Brooke. A committed father and grandfather, Richard always made time for camping trips, hikes, tennis matches, and soccer games.

Richard was a lover of nature, and some of his happiest moments were spent surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. He cherished his summers in Little Switzerland, NC where he found community, friendship, and peace. As a long-time member of Rotary, Richard devoted his time supporting philanthropic causes including Rise Against Hunger and the Spruce Pine BBQ Festival.

Richard is survived by his wife, Gayle; his sons, Steven (Alexia) and Michael (Frances); as well as his grandchildren, Grey, Charlie, Ada, and Brooke.

A visitation will be held 12:00pm-1:00pm Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. A procession will depart Harper-Morris at 1:00pm for a graveside service to begin at 1:30pm at Barrancas National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Rotary Foundation, ( https://my.rotary.org/en/donate ) or to The Orchard at Altapass, ( https://altapassorchard.org/ )