Donald Grigg Sr.
1st Sergeant Donald Augustus Grigg Sr. of Willingboro, New Jersey, formerly of Southampton, died on Friday, February 10. He was 78.
Born on December 5, 1933, in Southampton, Mr. Grigg was affectionately known as Umpa. He was the son of Leroy Grigg and Florence Grigg (née Marshall). He attended Southampton High School where he was an avid athlete and track star. He earned a state title in the 400-yard dash. His other school activities included singing in the choir and marching band. He also volunteered his time at the local hospital. After his graduation, Mr. Grigg joined the U.S. Army in 1953. In 1955 he married Vivian Somers.
He was a kind, gentle, generous, and dedicated serviceman who traveled many places both statewide and overseas, family said. Mr. Grigg served in Germany, Korea, and did two tours in Vietnam and received honors as a U.S. Army drill instructor. After serving 20 years in the Army, he retired in 1973.
The Griggs settled in Willingboro, New Jersey, in 1971. He was employed at Hooker Chemical Company until his line of work was phased out. He then went to work for the Department of Corrections for the State of New Jersey until he retired; the day he said he had enough, according to survivors.
Mr. Grigg was a jack of all trades; repairing, building and tinkering with things. He was a great neighbor and would help anyone in need by lending a hand and a tool.
When he was not working, he loved to bowl, take his family camping, and listen to his CB scanner. Every anniversary Mr. Grigg and his wife would catch the bus to Atlantic City. He so enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He would travel to games, sporting events, and plays to see them perform in any activity in which they were involved. He enjoyed many trips to Louisville, Kentucky, to watch his grandson play in college football games, and he was a big Philadelphia Eagles fan.
Summertime was his best time of the year—making sure the pool was ready for Memorial Day weekend and having all his family over for holidays. Before the start of his day, Mr. Grigg would often sit in front with his garage door open early in the morning, drink his coffee, and wave at all the cars going by. He loved being outside, around his house, out and about running errands for his wife. Her every wish was his command. After a long day, he would relax on his patio or porch that he built, enjoy the evening, then retire to his favorite chair to watch Jeopardy.
He led a very good life and never had a harsh word for anyone, nor did he judge or complain, family said. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Vivian; five children, Donald A. Jr., Linda J. Minkins and her husband Frederick Jr., Donna M. Thomas and her husband Pastor Calvin Jr., Charles R. Grigg and his wife Susan, and Teresa Grigg and her fiance Kevin Morris all of New Jersey; grandchildren, Tasha N. Ali and her husband Kareem, Frederick Douglass Minkins Jr. and his wife Melissa, Joshua A.A. Minkins, Domenic Grigg, Candace Thomas, Julius Thomas, Darnell Thomas, Michael Thomas, Jarad Grigg, Jordan Grigg, Quayla A. Morris, Blyss K. Morris, Melissa Bair, Stephanie Bair; 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Esther Taylor and her husband Thomas of Texas, and Betty Jean Johnson and her husband Donald of Southampton; four sisters-in-law, Lorraine Dyson, Dorothy Somers, Willie Mae Somers and Dolly Somers; two aunts and one uncle, along with a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was predeceased by brothers, Clarence, Charles, Leroy and Alfred; and his grandson, Michael Bair.
A funeral service was held on Thursday, February 16, at Alpha Baptist Church in Willingboro, New Jersey, with the New Jersey Corrections Department Color Guard. Interment followed at Oddfellows Cemetery Mausoleum with U.S. Military Color Guard.
on Feb 28, 2012