Griggs, Walter L.

Walter L. Griggs, 94, of Galax, formerly of Blacksburg, passed away on March 19, 2011. He was born on January 26, 1917 in Red Creek, New York.

He graduated from Oswego State College in 1940 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts. He received his Master of Science in Industrial Arts Education from Oswego State College in 1955. From 1940 to 1942, he taught Industrial Arts at Pulaski County High School. In 1942, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served until 1946. He resumed teaching at Pulaski County High School from 1946 to 1948. In September of 1948, Walt became a Professor of Vocational and Technical Education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He retired in 1980 with 32 years of service.

In 1999, he and wife, Jeanne, moved to Galax to be closer to family. Walt is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jeanne Griggs; son and daughter-in-law, Gil and Pat Griggs of Bristol, Virginia; his daughter and son-in-law, Patti and David Nelson of Galax, Virginia; three grandchildren, Lindsey and Matt Nelson of Galax, Virginia and Ashlee Griggs of Bristol, Virginia.

Flowers will be appreciated, but if you would like to make a donation, you may consider the Montgomery County Christmas Store at P.O. Box 221, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24060 or the Galax Public Library at 610 West Stuart Drive, Galax, Virginia, 24333.

A funeral service will be held in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 with the Rev. Tom Whartenby officiating. The family will receive friends before the service from 2 to 3 p.m. at the funeral home.