of Little Rock, AR
December 21, 1944 - March 12, 2023
Retired US Army Brigadier General Robert "Bob" F. Griffin, MD, FACS of Little Rock, Arkansas died peacefully on March 12, 2023 with his beloved family by his side. He was 78 years old.
Bob Griffin was born into an army family and grew up on army bases in Korea, Libya, Italy, Iceland and the United States. He was an Eagle Scout, a graduate of University High School in Fayetteville, Arkansas and a 1967 graduate of the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, New York. Bob was commissioned into the infantry, attended Ranger School and deployed to Vietnam with the 11th Infantry Brigade from Hawaii. On August 25, 1968, Lieutenant Griffin's platoon led a company-level assault on an enemy bunker line near Tam Ky, Vietnam. They attacked into a hailstorm of enemy fire and were soon pinned down. All the officers were killed or wounded when one of Bob's squad leaders, Staff Sergeant Nicky D. Bacon, a fellow Arkansan, rallied the survivors and led them to capture the bunker line. Although he was ordered to withdraw for air strikes, Sergeant Bacon refused to pull back without evacuating his platoon leader and other wounded soldiers. Badly wounded Lieutenant Griffin barely survived to receive the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. Nick Bacon was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism. Following a long recovery, Bob transferred from the infantry to attend Emory University School of Medicine, after which he was rebranched in the Medical Corps and completed a general surgery residency. Bob obtained certification from the American Board of Surgery and became a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
After an initial Medical Corps assignment in Panama, Bob met Captain Ann Erickson, US Army Nurse Corps, at Fort Ord, California and they were married in 1980. They soon moved to Germany for nearly a decade of assignments. Bob served as the Division Surgeon in the 8th Infantry Division, commanded the 3rd Infantry Division's 3rd Medical Battalion and commanded the army's hospital in Nuremberg. Upon completing the Army War College, he deployed to Saudi Arabia for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm as the VII Corps Surgeon and 332nd Medical Brigade deputy commander. In returning from his second war, Bob served as the USMA Surgeon, commanded Keller Army Hospital at West Point, served as the Forces Command (FORSCOM) Surgeon and was promoted to brigadier general in 1995.
As a general officer, Bob served in the US Army's Health Services Command at Fort Sam Houston, Texas and then as the commanding general of the Eisenhower Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia and the army's Southeast Regional Medical Command. After 32 years of service in the army, Bob and Ann retired to Waterbury Center, Vermont, where Bob was the senior medical director of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont. In 2011, Bob accepted an executive position with Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield as senior vice president and chief medical officer in Little Rock. Bob retired in 2017. Bob cherished his family time along the way, especially fond of bicycle rides, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, youth soccer coaching and the Boy Scouts of America.
Bob's aptly titled 2019 autobiography, "Raised to Serve, Selected to Lead", detailed a life of service and leadership that Bob led from childhood. He was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star Medal, four Legion of Merit Medals, two Bronze Star Medals, the Air Medal, the Purple Heart Medal and numerous campaign medals. He was also awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, Senior Flight Surgeon Badge and Ranger Tab. General Griffin was a soldier's soldier, who passed up Pentagon assignments to serve overseas in the field with his beloved soldiers. Doctor Griffin was a healer and surgeon, whose service first orientation, positively affected the outcomes of his patients and the efficiency of the hospitals he managed. As a father and husband, Bob raised hard-working good citizens and set an example for all who knew him. It might be said that Bob Griffin was born into a military family, lived in a military family and left this world from a military family.
Bob Griffin was predeceased by his parents, Colonel Linwood Griffin II and Zelda Griffin and brothers, Linwood Griffin III and Jack Griffin. He is survived by his sister, Sherry Alborn of Indiana; his wife, Ann Griffin of Little Rock; his son, Daniel (Darlene) Griffin of Florida; daughter, US Air Force Major Carolyn (Michael) Carmody of Maryland; daughter, Dr. Laura (US Space Force Lieutenant Colonel Marion Major) Carter of Virginia and son, Dr. Thomas (Dr. Sarah) Griffin (both US Army Majors) of Vermont; his nine grandchildren and his many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held at the Roller-Chenal Funeral Home in Little Rock from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (CDT) on Thursday, March 16, 2023. A memorial service will be held at the St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Little Rock on Friday, March 17, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. (CDT). General Griffin will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Service Organizations (USO), the Fisher House Foundation or the American Legion Post 59, P.O. Box 417 Waterbury, Vermont, 05676.
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50 Condolence(s)
Paula K. Underwood
Friday, September 22, 2023
I just learned about BG (Ret) Griffin’s passing from the AMEDD Museum newsletter.
I am so sorry for the family’s loss.
I had the privilege of serving with BG (Ret) Griffin when he was the Commander of the 98th General Hospital in Nuremberg, Germany. I started attending his weekly meetings, as a Captain and new Chief of Preventive Medicine, without an invitation. He was so gracious, he never told me that I should not have been there, with all the Colonels. He listened to my public health advice and backed me up when I recommended a vaccine for a team which was due to deploy to a natural disaster, against the wishes of members of the team. I will always remember him with great admiration. May he rest in peace.
Mary Ann Purnell
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Ann and Family,
I just learned of Dr Bob’s passing my heart and prayers are with you. Dr Bob was a kind, compassionate soul with a wild sense of humor. I worked with Dr Bob at BCBSVT many years ago and we had such fun times.
May you all be surrounded by his love and many happy memories.
With heartfelt condolences, Mary Ann
Daniel Perugini
Sunday, April 2, 2023
Dear Ann and family, please accept our heartfelt condolences. Bob was a hero of the Army Medical Department and a true friend of Army Medicine. While no words can ease your loss, please know that we remember him and you fondly, and treasure the times when our paths crossed. May he rest in peace.
Dan and Coleta
Isaac Tanney
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Bob was one of the scout masters for our Boy Scout troop in Waterbury. He was a great man and a great influence on us boys. I will always remember his willingness to serve the community and his kindness. Bob will be greatly missed, but will live on in all of us from Troop 701.
Patricia Paulson
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
I had the honor of meeting Dr. Griffin while he was our leader at ABCBS. He was a man of honor and integrity. He inspired those qualities in those who worked with him. He was friendly and had a wry sense of humor. I was blessed know him and am keeping all his family and friends in my prayers.
Susie Green
Sunday, March 19, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed because his life touched so many.
Maloney Family
Sunday, March 19, 2023
So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. The entire Griffin family is in our thoughts.
Keith and Donna Mullins
Saturday, March 18, 2023
So sorry to hear about Bob! He was a great man!
John Harry Jorgenson
Saturday, March 18, 2023
Bob was a great WP classmate. always positive in attitude and generous with his time and efforts on behalf of others. After his retirement from the Army, I had occasion to correspond with him via email on medical matters of mutual interest. His openness and willingness to help were still evident. Yes, I will, and do, miss him.
Grip hands, Bob.
Love, Jorgy
Laura Titus
Saturday, March 18, 2023
Ann and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I did not know him, but his obituary certainly showed what an incredible life he had. Please know I'm thinking of you at this time.
Karen Fondry
Saturday, March 18, 2023
My heart aches with the news of Dr Bob’s passing. I had the honor of working closely with him at BCBSVT all the years he was our Senior Medical Director. He was an amazing surgeon, teacher and friend.
Bob’s wit and keen sense of humor kept us all in good spirits every day. Oh, the Dr Bob stories I can tell! He loved to get people going and sometimes it was not easy knowing if he was joking or not.
I learned more from this great man in my RN career than from any other soul.
I have missed you Bob. The world has lost a kind, gentle soldier.
Sending prayers and healing strength to Bob’s family.
Karen Fondry
Saturday, March 18, 2023
My heart aches with the news of Dr Bob’s passing. I had the honor of working closely with him at BCBSVT all the years he was our Senior Medical Director. He was an amazing surgeon, teacher and friend.
Bob’s wit and keen sense of humor kept us all in good spirits every day. Oh, the Dr Bob stories I can tell! He loved to get people going and sometimes it was not easy knowing if he was joking or not.
I learned more from this great man in my RN career than from any other soul.
I have missed you Bob. The world has lost a kind, gentle soldier.
Sending prayers and healing strength to Bob’s family.
Wendy Holt
Friday, March 17, 2023
Dr. Bob was our BCBSVT Medical Director & we all became a close work family. I loved hearing his stories of his military life, his adventures with Ann, his children & their getting married & starting families. Dr. Bob was so proud of his family & it was an extremely emotional goodbye when he & Ann moved from VT to AR. We stayed in touch at Christmas & when he visited VT he stopped by BCBSVT for a quick visit so many of us wanted to sit and catch up longer, but he had places to be and people to visit! A kind, smart, caring man, a wonderful story teller with a great sense of humor who will be missed by many. Dr. Bob I will always treasure our work family memories & am so blessed to have known such a wonderful man! Fly high sir! â¤ï¸
Jennifer & Eric Hahn
Friday, March 17, 2023
Dear Ann, With Tom as our son in law, it is obvious where he got his awesome qualities from. Please accept our deepest sympathies and prayers.
Wilford Sayah
Friday, March 17, 2023
Ann and family,
Bob was such a wonderful man. It was such a pleasure to work with him as the committee chairman of the Waterbury boy scout troop. He will be missed.
Will
Helen Petit
Friday, March 17, 2023
Dear Ann, so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear husband, Bob. May God’s blessings give you and your family comfort and strength during this difficult time.
Helen Petit, a fellow MG
Kathleen Clark
Friday, March 17, 2023
Ann & family,
My sincerest condolences. I worked with Dr. Bob at BCBSVT, he truly was one of a kind. He will be missed.
James Roberts USMA '67
Friday, March 17, 2023
Another brother lost.
Don Wolfe
Friday, March 17, 2023
My condolences to the family from a West Point classmate.
Melissa Tuller
Friday, March 17, 2023
My condolences to Dr. Bob's family . He was a great man ! I worked with him at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont . Our department had many fun times with him . Thoughts and prayers to you at this difficult time !
Heather Bolduc
Friday, March 17, 2023
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Dr. Bob as we fondly referred to him at BCBSVT. He was an amazing person who I highly respected. Always kind and always listened whenever there was a concern. May he rest in peace.
Teresa Smith
Thursday, March 16, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of Dr Griffin’s passing. He was a kind and caring person and it was an honor to have worked with Dr Griffin at ABCBS. Please accept my deepest condolences. A true American Hero.
Dale Walls
Thursday, March 16, 2023
What an honor and privilege to have known and served with this fine man. My heart goes out to Ann and his family.
Pat Francis
Thursday, March 16, 2023
Dr. Griffin was a joy to work with at Arkansas Blue Cross. I am honored to have worked with him. My prayers are with you all during this time.
Mike Brown
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
This truly American Hero/General/Dr/Friend Bob Griffin will be missed. What a legacy he leaves and what an honor to have been associated with him.
Crystal Shumaker
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Sending prayers to you and your family. Dr. Griffin was a great leader. He was our Medical Director at Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield. He once wrote me a letter and I have often referred to it in my leadership. He led by example and left a legacy. I will forever remember him.
Tonya Puckett
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
So very sorry to hear of Dr. Griffin’s passing. He was a great Medical Director at BCBS. Always patient and kind. Prayers for all of his family and friends.
Noelle Harper
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
I interviewed with Dr. Griffin years ago while he was a Medical Director at Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield. I remember him as exceptionally kind and considerate while offering words of encouragement and advice on my career path. After reading his beautiful obituary, I now realize I was being interviewed by a hero! What an amazing legacy. I hope you find peace and comfort in the wonderful memories you created.
The Revd Jon Shuler
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
My respect for Bob is unbounded.A fine soldier has died, and an even finer man. Be Thou at Peace. I send my love to Ann, and my prayers for all the family.
The Revd Dr Jon Shuler (WP Class of 1967)
Bob Simpson
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
I served with Bob in both Hawaii and Vietnam. He was a born leader. A soldiers, soldier.
Condolences to his family. May he rest peacefully
Priscilla Bockelman
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Dr. Griffin was the medical director when I started at ARBCBS. Prayers for your family. So sorry for your loss.
Karen Black
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
My love and heart felt condolences go out to Ann and the family. Bob was much more than my boss, he was a mentor and a friend who guided me when needed, nudged me when I was stuck and could always zap me with his unique humor. His presence in this world will be missed, but I will hold onto the good memories of him and teachings and valuable lessons he taught me in my heart and mind, for he will always hold a special place in my life.
May his memory be a blessing
Carolyn Webb
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Ann,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Praying God will comfort your hearts during this time of sorrow. Dr. Griffin served as my Medical Director at ABCBS, he was always fair and kind. I will always remember his infectious laugh.
Lissa Loa
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Always kind, always considerate. My prayers are with his family.
Tony Stayer
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
I served in Vietnam with the 11th Infantry Brigade. My tour didn't begin til after the events of at Tam Ky. But did get to meet Generl Bob Griffin and Sergent Bacon after the war was over. At our reunions and at the Vietnam War Memorial in DC 2013, I believe. General Griffin pined the bronze star with valor at a ceremony held at the Memorial on Tony Menendez. I hope I spelled his name correctly. He was a great leader, and a soldiers soldier. My prayers are with his family. I pray for their comfort during this time.
Fred Schremp
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Bob was a great classmate, soldier and physician.
Well done, rest in peace Bob.
Gary & Barbara Kindred
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Ann and family,
Words cannot express how deeply saddened Barbara and I are.
Steven Yambor
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Great roommate yearling year. An exemplary career and exceptional dedication to family and The Corp
Beverly & Ralph Miford
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Bob was an amazing, surgeon, soldier and friend. He will be missed. Rest in Peach, my friend.
Ray Heath
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
A great career and an exceptional classmate.
Be Thou At Peace
Razor Heath, USMA Class of 1967
Dr. Odell Nickelberry
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Ann,
I pray that God holds you and your entire family in the hollow of God’s hand during this difficult time and in the days ahead.
Please accept my deepest condolences.
Bill Groman
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Included in Bob's legacy is that he will be remembered for his friendship and dedication to his family and the military. I believe his West Point classmates will miss his presence. Be thou at Peace.
Rick Hodge
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Rip my friend!
John James
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Well done! Be thou at peace.
Anne Mancino
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
I was so proud to know and care for General Griffin. He was a wonderful man, leader and role model. Prayers for the family.
Jean Skahan
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
It was an honor to have Bob join our family. His help and lessons while my mother was ill were priceless. Sending love
Duane Sherwood
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
A good man and a life well lived. May the Creator put a kind hand on the shoulders of family, friends, and loved ones grieving this loss.
Reg and Claudia Moore
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Bob-
You will always be remembered as a great friend, physician, soldier, and classmate. You will be missed.
None Shall Surpass, '67 class.
Laura Anne Warren
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
My heart is with you during this difficult transistion.
Stacy and Brian Watkins
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Ann and Family,
You are in our Prayers today. We have all lost a kind soul and a giant of a man. Bob will be remembered often and fondly in our home.
God Bless You