HAMPTON — Joseph Darrell “Tinnie” Griffin, 86, arrived in Washington, North Carolina, June 22, 1934, and departed from Hampton Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020.
Although formally named Joseph, his entire family and childhood friends always called him Tinnie. High school friends called him Darrell; locally, he was called Joe. After graduation from Washington High School, he worked at a paper mill for a year and then served two years in the U.S. Army. After his discharge, he enrolled in East Carolina University and earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees.
His first job as an educator was at a juvenile detention center, where he taught for a year. Joe then began his career with the Hampton City Schools for the 1962 school year. After coaching and teaching two or three years at Buckroe Junior High School, he moved into administration and through the years served as an assistant principal at Buckroe, Jones, Eaton Fundamental and Syms. In addition to his professional duties, he owned and operated Hatteras Seafood Truck on the weekends for 10 years.
Sports were always a vital part of Joe’s life; he enjoyed participating, coaching and watching teams compete. He was a staunch supporter of ECU football and baseball. Win or lose, the Washington Redskins and the Boston Red Sox received his support, and UNC basketball always kept his avid interest.
At an early age, Joe developed an appreciation for music. His taste was inclusive, ranging from Merle Haggard to Neil Diamond to Julie Andrews to Hampton Baptist Choir. He also enjoyed attending productions at Chrysler Hall and Tidewater Dinner Theater.
In addition to sports and music, Joe appreciated natural scenery, graceful landscapes and traditional Christmas decorations. He found it challenging and rewarding to design and develop wood or flagstone creations. Novels, movies and documentaries about World War II had special appeal for Joe; in fact, programs about history in general captured his attention.
Earlier in life, he enjoyed dove hunting and freshwater fishing. Watching squirrels and birds feed in the backyard was amusing for him, small animals always captured his attention, and he rescued several, especially cats. The current kitty, Ginger, misses him.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Millie and Darrell Griffin.
He is survived by Bobbie, his wife of 56 years; son, Brad of Arlington; daughter, Tara of Hampton; sister, Ellen (H.N.) Jackson of Hamilton, North Carolina; nephew, Brent (Dorothy) Jackson of Oak City, North Carolina; and niece, Pam (Brantley) Denton, and her children, Gracie, Jackson and Hayden, of Wake Forest, North Carolina.
Knowing Joe would not want COVID-19 compromising anyone’s health because of him, the family has decided not to have a celebration of his life. Viewing, however, will be available from 1 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 10, with the family present from 7 to 8 p.m., at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton. The family will meet at noon, Friday, Sept. 11, at Parklawn Memorial Park for graveside services. The Rev. Dr. Jay Russ will officiate and Mr. Dick Everett will play Joe’s favorite hymn on the trumpet.
Memorials may be sent to an animal aid society, Hampton Baptist Church or charity of one’s choice.
Share online condolences with the family at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home.
