William Carlisle Griffin was born on February 12, 1953, in Richmond, Virginia, to William H. Griffin and Katherine Prince Griffin of Freeman, Virginia. William, or “Griff" as he was lovingly known, went home to be with his Savior September 11, 2026 after a steadfast struggle marked by strength, dignity and faith.

He graduated from Brunswick Academy in 1971 and later attended Midlands Technical College in Columbia, South Carolina. After completing an electrical apprenticeship from 1975 to 1979, William earned his Virginia master electrician's card in 1982.

A hardworking man who was rarely without a project, William remodeled homes for many years while also maintaining a regular job. He operated Electrical Repair Service from April 1995 until the financial crisis of 2008. He later worked at Amsted Rail in Petersburg from 2010 until his retirement in 2018. William was a member of the Prince George Ruritan Club.

William married Yvonne Marie Marino of Watertown, New York, on April 29, 2006, and together they made their home in Prince George, Virginia.

William was preceded in death by his parents, William H. Griffin and Katherine Daniel Griffin, and his sister, Jean Prince Batman.

He is survived by his loving wife, Yvonne Marie Griffin; his children, William Brian Griffin (Susan) of Grimesland, North Carolina, William Brad Griffin of Simpson, North Carolina, Ashby Wade Griffin (Bethany) of Prince George, Virginia, and Kristin Anne Haggett (Steve Miller) of Prince George, Virginia, his brother, Samuel Gray Griffin (Sandra) of Freeman, Virginia, his sister, Kathy Elizabeth Anglin of Freeman, Virginia, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Above all, Griff loved God, his family, his church, and his country. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren as "Papa", for the famously crooked finger he never missed an opportunity to hold up, and his unforgettable trademark phrase, "Damn it, man!". Those little pieces of Papa will continue to bring smiles, laughter, and cherished memories for generations to come, and may we always remember, “the only problem with that is...”.

Fly High Griffman. You are loved and will be greatly missed. 

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026 in Reedy Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, 1919 Reedy Creek Road, Freeman, VA 23856. The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, September 16, 2026 at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834. Online condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.