William Griffith

William Lanier "Bill" Griffith, age 71, passed away unexpectedly Friday evening, July 4, 2014 in the Danville Regional Medical Center. He was born in Danville, VA on January 6, 1943, a son of the late Charles L. Griffith and Nell Cobb Griffith. Bill was a graduate of George Washington High School and Virginia Tech. During his high school years Bill helped his mom and dad in the family business, The College Soda Shop. Following graduation he served in the Virginia Army National Guard. He taught school in Brookneal, VA and at Tunstall High School. Bill was later employed with the Danville Health Department before beginning a career with the Virginia Department of Taxation in the Danville office until his retirement in 2004. Bill was a life-long active member of Mount Vernon United Methodist Church where he served as an usher, and served on and chaired numerous church committees. He was an avid golfer and for the past 25 years hosted an annual golf outing, "The Southern Pines Invitational". He was a member of the Danville Golf Club and at the time of his death was secretary on the Board of Managers at the club. Bill was a member and past chairman of the Danville Planning Commission, member of the German Club, former board member of the Danville Kiwanis Club and a member of the Danville Sports Club. He was instrumental in starting the First Tee youth program in Danville. Bill loved sports, he was a "die hard" Hokie fan, coached little league baseball and soccer in Danville. He also was a referee for soccer games for the area high schools. Bill enjoyed motor racing, especially at VIR and drove a Formula Vee race car as a hobby when he was younger. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a brother, David L. Griffith. Bill is survived by his wife of 45 years, Bonnie Vicks Griffith, a daughter, Emily Griffith Potts and her husband David and their two children, Slade and Piper all of Danville, a son, William Christopher "Chris" Griffith of Richmond, Va. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Mount Vernon United Methodist Church with the Reverend Barry Foster officiating. The family will receive friends following the funeral service in the church fellowship hall and at other times will be at the residence. The family requests that memorials may be made to Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, 107 West Main Street, Danville, VA 24541.