Allen L Griffith's Obituary
Allen L. Griffith (“the Colonel”) of Belleair, Florida, passed away on Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024, at his son’s home in Lakeland, Florida. Born in Marion, Indiana, on September 19, 1936, “the Colonel”, also affectionately known as “Skipper”, married his high school sweetheart Betty and was a devoted husband and father. He graduated from Indiana University and obtained his MBA from Syracuse. He participated in his sons’ sports both as spectator and coach. As a commissioned officer in the US Army, he served 24 years attaining the rank of Colonel and attended the National War College. He was a decorated combat veteran who served two tours in Vietnam, earning medals including two Bronze Stars with (V) device and a Purple Heart. After retiring from the military, he moved to Clearwater, Florida, pursued a second career in the insurance industry, and enjoyed playing golf as a member of Belleair Country Club. As an original season ticket holder and avid fan of the Tampa Bay Rays, he and his beloved wife attended home games regularly. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Griffith, father A.L. Griffith and mother, Wilma Griffith. He is survived by his two sons: Allen L. Griffith II, and Kevin (Bobbi) Griffith; six grandchildren: Sarah (Bret) Hubber, Allen L. “Trey” Griffith, III, Kyle (Renae) Griffith, Joshua (Brittany) Drake, Steven (Kristin) Griffith, and Philip Leggett; five great grandchildren: Ava Drake, Jada Drake, Brooks Griffith, Jett Hubber, and Betty Blair Griffith. He will be forever remembered and missed. There will be no services with an interment planned with the family at a later date. The family wishes to express deep gratitude to staff members of Suncoast Hospice/Empath Health and Comfort Keepers.
What’s your fondest memory of Allen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Allen?
Share a story where Allen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Allen you’ll never forget.
How did Allen make you smile?
