Leonard Howard

Griffin

Leonard Howard Griffin, of Mechanicsville, was born on September 9, 1941, to Clarence Griffin and Helen Rebecca Griffin in Pineville, Louisiana. On August 9, 2026, Leonard peacefully departed this life to be with the Lord.

He spent his early school years in Louisiana.  During his youth, he and his mother moved to Chicago.  Leonard later returned home, where he lived with his aunt and grandfather and continued his education.  An excellent student, Leonard skipped a grade and graduated from High School early.

Leonard was also an outstanding athlete who excelled in football.  His talent earned him a four-year football scholarship to Grambling State University, where his team enjoyed several championships seasons.

Later in life Leonard served his country in the United States Army.  His military background was reflected throughout his life in the way he carried himself.  He was a stern but respectable man who walked with his head held high, looked people in the eye when speaking to them and always kept his shoes shining.

Leonard was a hardworking man who believed in doing things the right way.  He did not believe in taking shortcuts.  Over the years, he worked at a bank, a correctional facility in Goochland and the City Jail in Richmond.  He later worked for the Federal Reserve Bank, where he retired.

Leonard loved the outdoors.  He enjoyed planting flowers, keeping his grass cut and his home looking nic, and especially fishing.  He could spend hours fishing, often heading out early in the morning before sunrise.  By 10 o'clock, he might already have a bucket full of fish.

Even while enjoying his favorite pastime, Leonard believed in following the rules.  He would measure his fish to make sure they were keepers and would release those that were not.  He would often say "You can't keep everything."  That simple practice reflected the way Leonard lived his life – by the law, with discipline and integrity.

Leonard was also a man of faith.  He accepted Christ at an early age at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Louisiana.  His faith remained important throughout his life.  Leonard was known to ask others, "Have you prayed today?" He believed that because God gives us new mercies each day, we should make every effort to get our lives right with Him.

Leonard made several places his home throughout his lifetime, with Virginia becoming the place where he spent his final years.

Leonard will be remembered for his discipline, his strong work ethic, his love of fishing and the outdoors, his faith in God, and the wisdom he shared with those around him.

His earthly journey has ended, but the lessons he taught, the memories he created, and the love he shared will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Della Maxine P. Griffin; Nicole Lynn Griffin of Waldorf, MD; step-daughter, Stephanie Haden; two step-granddaughters, Lauriel Dickerson of Charlotte, NC and Taylor Kindred;  a host of loving nephews and nieces, Alphonzo (Jack) Anderson of Palmyra, VA; Elmoe Shelton of Charlottesville, VA; Antonio Shelton of Bremo Bluff, VA; Kevin Poindexter of Nelson, VA, Curtis Poindexter, Jr. of Charlottesville, VA), Pamela Anderson-Lindsey of Palmyra, VA, Nicole Poindexter and Stephanie Poindexter of Charlottesville, VA; brother-in-law, Mack I. Poindexter; three sisters-in-law, Priscilla Henson, Lucille Randolph and Edna Poindexter; other extended family members and friends, among those who remained especially close to Leonard were Yancey Eaggins of Bunkie, Louisiana; Hattie and Ezoia Watson of Berwyn, Illinois; and Trinae Banks  of Missouri City, Texas.

A memorial service will be held  1 p.m. Thursday, August 20, 2026 at Virginia Veterans Cemetery, 10300 Pridesville Road, Amelia, Virginia.

Arrangements by Scott' Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd.