MGYSGT Paul Junior Everett Griggs, USMC (RET) March 1, 1934 - May 6, 2018
MGYSGT Paul Everett Griggs passed away early Sunday morning, May 6, 2018. Paul Everett was born on March 1, 1934, to David and Nellie Grigg in Southampton, LongIsland, NY. At an early age and due to the loss of his parents, Paul Everett was raised by his brother, Georgie and sister-in-law Alease. On his 17th birthday he enlisted in USMC serving 30 years and of those 30 years he served 2 tours in Vietnam fighting for his country. He was a dedicated Marine who always kept his appearance and military uniforms "Squared Away". Even down to the shine of his Corfam uniform dress shoes. While stationed in Norfolk, VA he met his soon to be wife of 62 years, Mildred Dickens Griggs at a picture studio. After courting her for over a year, they were married October 1956. From their blessed union they had 5 children. Paul Everett decided to retire after his last duty station in Quantico, VA was completed. He settled down with his wife in Norfolk to raise their 5 children. He worked at the Norfolk Naval Base as Supervisor for the Navy Public Works Center for 17 years and Marshalls as a custodian until retirement age. His love for the Corps was still a part of him. He attended the Marine Corps Anniversary Ball every year with his wife. His last attendance was with his granddaughter Bianca in November 2016. As much as he loved the Corps, he loved his family and his hometown Southampton, NY even more. Every summer he would pack-up the station wagon to travel home to his beloved Southampton with his wife and children to march in the 4th of July Parade. His sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews would be there just to see him in his Dress Blues leading the parade. After the event was over, it would be just family time. He loved his family dearly and there wasnothing he wouldn't do for them. Paul Everett also had a love of baking his delicious coconut cake with white icing he made from scratch. He enjoyed baking his coconut cake for whomever ask with never a refusal. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Donald E. Griggs. He is survived by his wife Mildred; his children, Robin Wilkerson (Troy), Paul M. Griggs (Denise), Diane Godfrey (Grayland) and Jacqueline Griggs; his 5 grandchildren, Troy, II and Bianca Wilkerson, Paul M. Griggs, Jr., Grayland, II and Gibran Godfrey and 1 great-grandchild, Skyler Levi Parker; his sister, Queen E. Cox, sister-in-law, Rosa Allen, brother-in-law, James Dickens and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Paul Everett will be missed by all who experienced his love, wisdom and guidance.
Marine
Semper Fi
"Oohrah"