Mr. Daniel M. Griffin

Daniel M. Griffin ("Danny") August 19, 1931 – October 24, 2025 Dan was born in Lenoir, North Carolina, on August 19, 1931. He was born to Lester and Bessie Griffin. Dan was the oldest of eleven children. After graduating from high school, Dan worked briefly in a furniture factory before realizing his true calling lay elsewhere. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict, serving from 1951 to 1954. He worked on the flight lines ensuring B-52 aircraft remained mission-ready. After completing his Military service, he went on to attend North Carolina State College beginning in1954, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with honors. Following his education, Dan began a long and distinguished career with Douglas Aircraft and later McDonnell Douglas, where he worked from 1958 until his retirement in 1993. Over his 35-year career, he contributed to numerous defense and aerospace programs, including the Dragon and SMAW weapons systems, as well as other combat weapons programs for the Army and Marine Corps. He served as a lead engineer and director of engineering, and his work took him across the world to countries such as Switzerland, Egypt, Jordan, and Israel. After retiring, Dan lived between Florida and North Carolina with his lovely wife, Ann, enjoying well-earned rest after a lifetime of service, innovation, and dedication. Dan will be remembered for his sharp mind, unwavering work ethic, and deep love for his family. His legacy of integrity, curiosity, and devotion will live on through those who knew and loved him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lester, and Bessie Griffin; his first wife, Mary Geraldyne Watson Griffin; baby brother, Billy Joe; brothers, Jerry, and Steve; sister, Betty McNeil; and granddaughter, Karli Rudd. Dan is survived by his devoted wife, Ann Farnam; his children, Daniel Martin Griffin Jr., (Ann), Suzan Terry, (Brian), and Laurie Griffin; and his stepdaughters, Kimberly Rudd, (Jimmy), and Kelly Farnam, (Johnny). He is also survived by his siblings, Thomas Griffin, (Peggy), Carolyn Wilson, Linda Ham, Sarah Locke, (Roland), Janice Triplett, and Dwayne Griffin, (Becky). He leaves behind many grandchildren: Danny Griffin, (Tasha), Brian Terry Jr., Daniel Rudd, Kristen Willford, (Scott), Kate Griffin, Allison Griffin, and Kennedy Farnam, as well as great-grandchildren John Michael Griffin, Blakely Willford, Joshua Griffin, and Luke Willford. He is also remembered by numerous nieces and nephews and a multitude of loving friends. Funeral services will be at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 US-1, Mims, Florida, on November 19th at 9 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering or to St. Francis Hospice of Titusville.

Mr. Daniel M. Griffin

August 19, 1931 - October 24, 2025

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Mr. Daniel M. Griffin

August 19, 1931 - October 24, 2025

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

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