Dr. George L.B. Grinnan

Published 3:41 pm Sunday, November 5, 2023

GRINNAN, Dr. George Lamb Buist, 87, of Duck, NC passed away on November 1, 2023 surrounded by loved ones in his most favorite place. Born in Brooklyn, NY on November 30, 1935. Preceded in death by Dr. and Mrs. Randolph Bryan Grinnan Jr.; his brothers Randolph Bryan Grinnan III, of Norfolk; Richardson Grinnan of Richmond; and his cherished Labradors.

He is survived by his wife, Karon Glynn Grinnan; son, George Lamb Buist Grinnan Jr. and wife, Cheri; daughter, Katherine Grinnan Batzel and husband, Mark; stepdaughter, Kelly Adams; stepson Christopher Robert Darden; and grandchildren, Meredith Grinnan Deafenbaugh (Brad), Frances Grinnan, Audrey Batzel, Trevor Darden, Natalie Batzel, Timothy James, Claire Adams, Kayla James, Thomas Batzel, Carmen Adams, Christopher Darden; and Great-Grandchildren, Emilia, Luke, Jasper, and Koa; Sisters-in-law Patricia and Lelia Grinnan; many nieces, nephews, and beloved cousins (and cousins of cousins!); his dogs Gracie and Nolie.

George was a graduate of Norfolk Academy ‘53 and Hampden-Sydney College ‘57. He continued his graduate education at the Medical College of Virginia School of Medicine in Richmond, Va. After completing his residency and fellowship at the Medical College, he went on to become a celebrated Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. George was active in his community, serving in leadership positions in several professional societies that include: partner in the Mid-Atlantic Cardiothoracic Surgeons, past president of the Tidewater chapter of the American Heart Association, and past president of the Humera Surgical Society. He was an author and co-author of many publications and involved in numerous hospital staff memberships and committee appointments in Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach. George was a military veteran, called to serve during his medical studies at the U.S. Air Force Hospital Clark A.F.B in the Philippines during the Vietnam War. He received the Air Force Commendation Medal for Outstanding Achievement.

He and Karon, his wife of 45 years, traveled the world together, sailing, biking, hiking and touring.  Their most favorite destination was Tanzania, Africa which they visited three times. George (“Grandaddy”) was an avid outdoorsman, adventure seeker and travel enthusiast, spreading his love for his hobbies with all loved-ones. He was an active hunter of waterfowl, fisherman, crabber and boater. He was a dog lover and actively involved in training his many Labrador Retrievers. He was a mountain climber, marathon runner, wind surfer, bird lover and Jimmy Buffet’s #1 fan. We take pride in the man he was and the many hobbies that have inspired his loved-ones from time immemorial.

Please join us in celebrating the life of George. To accommodate the many friends and family there will be two memorial services. The first service is on Saturday, November 11 at 11 a.m. at Duck Methodist Church with reception to follow in the fellowship hall. A second service will be held on his 88^th Birthday on Thursday, November 30 from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. at 4036 Bridgehampton Lane in Virginia Beach. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Norfolk Chapter of the American Heart Association:  https://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/virginia/norfolk. Please share condolences with the family at gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.

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