M. Howard Griffith Jr. (Buddy) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 with his wife Mary Ann by his side at his home in Atlantic Shores in Virginia Beach.

He was born on May 23, 1942 in Washington, D.C., to Ella Virginia and Marshall Howard Griffith. He graduated from University of Maryland, College Park campus, with a degree in accounting. He remained a devoted lifelong Maryland alumnus and loved following all things Terrapins. After graduating, he began his banking career in Norfolk at Virginia National Bank, continuing in the industry until his retirement from Fidelity National Bank as CFO in Atlanta, Ga., in May 2006.

Throughout his life, Buddy was passionate about music, from rock-and-roll to hymns to country songs. He not only sang in the church choir but also taught himself to play guitar. Buddy enjoyed a good NASCAR race, a fine glass of red wine, and following the Atlanta Braves. Buddy and Mary Ann enjoyed traveling together, visiting Italy, China, Amsterdam, and Ireland.

After his retirement, Buddy and Mary Ann moved to Gloucester, Virginia, to enjoy the good life in their log home on the water, fishing, crabbing, and boating. Buddy enjoyed riding his tractor, reminiscing about his time growing up on his family farm in Maryland. In 2008 they moved back to Virginia Beach to be closer to their children.

Buddy is survived by his wife and six children, Leigh Hannah, Mark Griffith and wife Rebekah, Jeff Hannah and wife Anastasia, Shelley Griffith and husband Scotty, Seth Griffith and wife Lindsay, and Karen Griffith, and grandchildren, Shelby Griffith, Zeph Griffith, Silas Griffith, Sean Hannah, and Evan Griffith.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach. A reception will follow at Atlantic Shores Retirement Community at 3:30 p.m. in the Anchor Room.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at hdoliver.com.