Harvey Rowe Griffith, 75, of Cobbs Creek, passed away on March 30, 2011 after a long struggle with asbestosis and diabetes.  

He was born and raised in the Fox Hill area of Hampton, moving to the Cobbs Creek area of Mathews County in June 1970. He retired from the former Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Company after 36 years of service.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his three daughters, Lori and her husband Ray Mountford, Annette and her husband Ben Haywood Jr., and Debbie and her husband Billy Bohannon; five grandchildren, Stephanie, Trey, Lynn and her husband Matt, Chris and his wife Sherry, and Kyle; three great-grandchildren, Jacob, Brandy and Christopher; brothers, Eugene "Puppy" and his wife Betty, and his twin brother, Marvin and his wife Betsy; many nieces and nephews; a family friend, Marcia Boykin; and his beloved canine companion, Spunky, who traveled with him just about everywhere.

Harvey was preceded in death by his wife of 31 years, Nancy L. Griffith, and his brother, Joseph Griffith.

He loved to vacation at Buggs Island Lake, where he had property, as well as the Outer Banks. Even after being placed on oxygen, he made trips to both vacation spots with his family. His other love was watching and rooting for the Mathews Blue Devils in various sports, even traveling to see them play, especially when they were in the playoffs. 

A funeral service was held Saturday at Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home, Mathews, with interment in H.C. Smither Memorial Cemetery, Hudgins.

Memorial donations may be made to Mathews Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 1130, Mathews, Va. 23109, Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 723, Mathews, Va. 23109, or Mathews Meals on Wheels, c/o Nelda Gibbs, P.O. Box 369, Mathews, Va. 23109.