George Oliver Griffith, 88, passed away on July 12, 2026, in Fort Washington Adventist Hospital in Fort Washington, Maryland. He departed this life in the presence of family.

George was born on March 10, 1938, in Stuart, Virginia, to Edward Griffith and Grace Griffith (Staples). He received his earliest education in Stuart, Virginia, but then relocated to Newark, New Jersey, where he completed high school at Southside High School (now Malcolm X Shabazz High School). George served faithfully in the United States Army; during his tenure, he was one of the many military police assigned to protect James Meredith at the University of Mississippi. He worked many decades as a skilled journeyman carpenter in the New Jersey Carpenters Union Local 620. After losing his right leg in a tragic boating accident in 1985, he reinvented himself and became a Senior Code Enforcement Officer in the city of Newark until his retirement. George had a passion for community service and local politics.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Grace Griffith, his wife, Julia Frances Sturgis Griffith, and siblings Barbara Griffith Nowlin, William Griffith, and Lawrence Griffith. He is survived by his son, Gregory Griffith, daughter Kimberly Middleton, son-in-law Theodore Middleton Jr., grandchildren Dion Griffith, Theodore Middleton III, and Jeremy Middleton, nieces and nephews Russell Griffith, Michael Griffith (Denise), Patricia G. Foley (David), Gail Griffith, Elizabeth Griffith, Denise Brown (Kelvin), and Sharon Griffith. He also leaves to cherish his memory beloved cousins Ollie Mae Spencer, Judy Rucker, Lucy Moore (Michael), Marjorie Nowlin-Hairston (Sonny), and Reginald Griffith, and a host of loving friends and relatives.

George was known for his engaging personality and boisterous humor. This served him well in the pursuit of his passions for community service and local politics; he was a charter member of the Optimist Club of Newark, and he was a key grassroots supporter in many campaigns in the City of Newark, New Jersey. These passions were only rivaled by his love for music, fishing, and gardening. George was an accomplished guitarist, and also skilled at playing the piano and harmonica. Fishing was his cherished pastime and source of connection with dear family and friends. His garden was a source of pride and connection as he always shared the bounty with friends and neighbors.

Funeral services for George will take place in his hometown of Stuart, Virginia on August 6, 2026. The wake is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at Moody Funeral Home, and the graveside service and internment will take place at 11:00 a.m. in the Loggins-Johnson-Clark-Griffith Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.

George was always willing to help those he cared for when they were in need. He will be remembered for his service, kindness, laughter, and love for his family and friends.