Charles "Charlie" Michael Griffin, Jr.

Obituary for Charles "Charlie" Michael Griffin, Jr. Charles "Charlie" Michael Griffin, Jr. was born on February 2, 1998 at Southern Maryland Hospital Center, completing a family of 8. He was born to parents Elizabeth "Beth" Anne (Cowan) Griffin and Charles Michael Griffin, Sr.; dear brother of Justin Pretzer, Natalie Griffin, Gunther Pretzer, Ashley Griffin and Christina Griffin; caring Uncle to Hudson Pretzer; and loving grandson of John and Nancy Cowan, and Lorraine Griffin and the late Charles S. Griffin. Charles passed away quietly in his sleep in the early morning of October 5, 2018 at the age of twenty, although he viewed himself as twenty-one. His life started the second he was in the womb, so the day he was born was his first birthday. He will be remembered and treasured by his remaining family and his many friends. Charlie was educated (2003-2016) within the Prince George’s County Public School System, having attended Princeton Elementary School, Thurgood Marshall Middle School, Forestville High School Military Academy and finally Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School. In 2007, Charlie was chosen to be one of the faces of the Prince George’s County Public Schools “America’s Classroom” educator recruitment advertising campaign at the age of 9, and was featured on bookmarks, posters and a banner hung proudly at the Board of Education headquarters in Upper Marlboro. A proud moment for Charlie was when Dr. John Deasy, the Superintendent and CEO, recognized him in the crowd at the campaign’s opening reception. Charlie achieved his 15 seconds of fame, early in life! At Princeton Elementary School (2003-2011) he learned the importance of “Mother Earth” and was nurtured and loved by the many beautiful teachers, staff, students, parents and volunteers. His friendships from elementary school continued on to Thurgood Marshall Middle School (2011-2013). His experience at TMMS drove him to apply for the Military Academy Program, and was accepted. It was at Forestville Military Academy (2013-2016) beginning his freshman year, that he fell in love with the Army JROTC program and moved up the ranks over those years. During his tenure with the Forestville Black Knights Drill Team, he competed nationally several times, and was truly a part of the team. Charlie was heartbroken when Forestville closed its doors in 2016, yet his determination persevered and he threw himself into his GYS business where his heart belonged. He completed his senior year at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School and graduated in May of 2017. As a young boy, Charlie had an active role in sports, playing peewee soccer and football. He spent much of his time on the football sidelines, because he couldn’t bring himself to hit anyone. He spent time with his grandparents at their Ocean City condo and loved the ocean. The “beach boy” eagerly participated in the beach ministries of St. Matthews By-the-Sea UMC in Fenwick Island, over the summers. He befriended just about everyone he met, which included an elderly woman (past Olympic Gold Medal swimmer) who worked with Charlie on his swimming skills and encouraged him to always strive for the best within himself. Charlie enjoyed playing baseball with his sisters, or just tossing the ball in the field across from home. He joined his family in a love of horses and worked hard at the barn. He enjoyed riding horses and participated in horse shows, along with his sisters. His never ending energy continued throughout his life. Charlie was baptized at Bells United Methodist Church at the age of six, and enjoyed spending time with his church family. As a young boy, he took an active role in the everyday activities and ministries of the church. He adored the Bells Warm Nights program, feeding and sheltering those less fortunate, and every year was there to help and support everyone involved with this ministry. His concern and his desire to help comfort and strengthen others brought him great satisfaction in making a difference in his World. His love and dedication to the church continued, as he worked hard with his family to remove and install new carpet in the Sanctuary this past summer. Charlie joined Chesapeake Chapter of Maryland DeMolay on his 11th birthday, which became a large part of his life. He was an unofficial member long before he was of age, oftentimes playing the role of “annoying younger brother” to all of the members of Job’s Daughters International, the sister organization to which Ashley and Christie belonged. During his active years at Chesapeake Chapter, he served as Master Councilor twice, first from July 2012 to January 2013, and then again when he felt his leadership was needed in Chapter, and was the appointed State Chaplain in 2013-2014. His deep rooted belief in the seven precepts of a DeMolay strengthened his loyalty for his Country, and his compassion for all life. Charlie was also an integral part of the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 404 Andrews Air Force Base, serving the community for several years. As a scout, he engaged in community projects, was determined to earn as many badges as possible, worked the AAFB Air Shows, attended many scouting trips and camp outs, and was hired as a camp counsellor at Goshen Boy Scout Reservation over the summer of 2013. He loved nature and enjoyed mentoring and teaching the younger scouts. Charlie’s hard work ethic translated into many facets of his life. Not only was he always a willing hand to his father working on houses, but he also took on several of his own projects around the home. He dreamed of and created designs for the Virginia property, and loved to spend his time on the land. As someone who had an entrepreneurial heart, Charlie started his own business, Griffin Yard Service GYS. He traipsed through the neighborhood, seeking out work, and succeeded in building up his client base! With a reputation for hard work, dedication, and environmentally conscious business practices, he truly loved beautifying the Earth. This aspect of his legacy will continue with his best friends and brothers, taking up the helm of his business. Charlie had an inquisitive and creative nature. He always wanted to learn everything he could and see how the world worked. He did this through constant questioning, and working with his hands to build things. His spirit was one of adventure, daring, and impulse. He loved to travel with his family and friends, which included; his sisters and MOM’s through JDI of Maryland and Bethel 41; his brothers and DAD’s of Maryland DeMolay, his brothers and leaders of BSA, his teammates and family of FMA Black Knights, and most recently with his brothers and business partners, CJ and Tony. His love for adventure led him to just a few of the many places of Earth’s beauty and splendor; Las Vegas, Colorado Springs, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Virginia, the Carolinas, and the beaches of Maryland, Virginia, Florida (Dayton and Miami) and California. West Virginia mountains is where he found one of his greatest joys - four wheeling! Charlie loved to drive anything and everything… even as early as the age of 2, when he drove the family van into our house! Although he was a very down-to-earth guy, he also had a sensitive soul, thinking deeply about his path in life, listening to all kinds of music, creating his own poetry, and documenting life experiences on his iPhone. Charlie was a very kind, sweet, funny, charming young man who loved his family and friends very much. He definitely could be characterized as both a “Mama’s Boy” and “Daddy’s Boy” at the same time. An ever present force within the community, he delighted in bringing goodness to others, in whatever ways he could. He was quick to help and quick to enter people’s hearts. Charlie lived a very full life with the years that he had on this Earth, and saw the innate goodness in the world. His spirit lives on through the goodness of others. Charles wanted to make a difference in the World! To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Charles "Charlie" Michael Griffin, Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.