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Dr. George Grinnan
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 11AM at Duck Methodist Church with reception to follow in the fellowship hall. A second service will be held on his 88th Birthday on Thursday, November 30 from 3PM-7PM 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.
Condolences
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Grinnan. I met him over thirty years ago at a holiday dinner with family. We shared stories about some of the hobbies and love for the water. He was also very supportive and caring during my son's heart surgery. My deepest sympathies go out to his entire family.
I had the great pleasure of knowing and working with Dr. Grinnan for years at both Norfolk General & Virginia Beach General . Over the years it became very easy to be friends with both Karen and George. He was an excellent surgeon and just a great all-around human being he will certainly be missed. Condolences to Karen and the family.
Karon we are so sorry to hear about George. He always had a smile on his face and a good joke. He will be missed by a lot of people. Thinking of you and your family. Chuck & Judy Zondorak
It was so sad to learn of George’s passing. George was such a talented man, in so many ways. He had such a welcoming way that would make those around him feel comfortable. I hope all your wonderful memories help get you through this difficult time. I am thinking about you. ❤️Linda Wade
i learned so much from Dr Grinnan's unflappable manner in the operating room during my surgical training years ago. A great surgeon he was. Sending sincere condolences.
Mark and I had the privilege of working with Dr. Grinnan for many years. I know he will be missed by all. Our sincere condolences to Karon and the family.
The world is diminished with the passing of this incredible man and the blessings he gave all with whom he came in contact. May his family find solace in knowing that Dr. Grinnan touched so many people throughout his life.
Karon and Kathy, George was always the epic Southern Gentleman and the most kind human being. His love of life and his beloved dogs was always evident. I know how much he will be missed. Sending you both my love. Linda
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of meeting George at a Grinnan family reunion in Warrenton about ten years ago. It was exciting to be able to match up the branches of our Grinnan families that originated from Daniel Grinnan in Culpeper, Virginia around 1800. I hope we can continue to honor our ancestors, and that the next generation will take over the genealogy work. God bless you and the Grinnan family, cousin Susan
On a day in May of 1990, my father was to have quadruple bypass! He had just retired from the ministry after more than 43 years! I didn’t obtain the faith that he obviously had! So as we prepared that morning for this surgery, Dr. Grinnan put his arm around my shoulder realizing my concern for my dad’s surgery and simply said to me, Steve don’t worry about your dad cause God and me got this. He obviously was correct and I had my dad in my life for 24 more great and happy years! I was truly grateful for Dr. George Grinnan. He along with our Lord and Savior gave so many new leases on life to so many! Please accept my heartfelt condolences and sympathy in the loss of the Patriarch of your family and a wonderful surgeon who cared for so many with compassion and knowledge! Very Kindest Regard, Stephen Napier
Thank you for your protection and kindness when I was a boy. You set a fine example of a southern gentleman. Thinking of you and your family. Ps. Thank you for getting me out of that speeding ticket! :)
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Grinnan. I met him over thirty years ago at a holiday dinner with family. We shared stories about some of the hobbies and love for the water. He was also very supportive and caring during my son’s heart surgery. My deepest sympathies go out to his entire family.
I had the great pleasure of knowing and working with Dr. Grinnan for years at both Norfolk General & Virginia Beach General . Over the years it became very easy to be friends with both Karen and George. He was an excellent surgeon and just a great all-around human being he will certainly be missed. Condolences to Karen and the family.
Karon we are so sorry to hear about George. He always had a smile on his face and a good joke. He will be missed by a lot of people. Thinking of you and your family. Chuck & Judy Zondorak
It was so sad to learn of George’s passing. George was such a talented man, in so many ways. He had such a welcoming way that would make those around him feel comfortable. I hope all your wonderful memories help get you through this difficult time. I am thinking about you.
❤️Linda Wade
i learned so much from Dr Grinnan’s unflappable manner in the operating room during my surgical training years ago.
A great surgeon he was.
Sending sincere condolences.
Mark and I had the privilege of working with Dr. Grinnan for many years. I know he will be missed by all. Our sincere condolences to Karon and the family.
The world is diminished with the passing of this incredible man and the blessings he gave all with whom he came in contact. May his family find solace in knowing that Dr. Grinnan touched so many people throughout his life.
Karon and Kathy,
George was always the epic Southern Gentleman and the most kind human being. His love of life and his beloved dogs was always evident. I know how much he will be missed. Sending you both my love.
Linda
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of meeting George at a Grinnan family reunion in Warrenton about ten years ago. It was exciting to be able to match up the branches of our Grinnan families that originated from Daniel Grinnan in Culpeper, Virginia around 1800. I hope we can continue to honor our ancestors, and that the next generation will take over the genealogy work. God bless you and the Grinnan family, cousin Susan
On a day in May of 1990, my father was to have quadruple bypass! He had just retired from the ministry after more than 43 years! I didn’t obtain the faith that he obviously had! So as we prepared that morning for this surgery, Dr. Grinnan put his arm around my shoulder realizing my concern for my dad’s surgery and simply said to me, Steve don’t worry about your dad cause God and me got this. He obviously was correct and I had my dad in my life for 24 more great and happy years! I was truly grateful for Dr. George Grinnan. He along with our Lord and Savior gave so many new leases on life to so many! Please accept my heartfelt condolences and sympathy in the loss of the Patriarch of your family and a wonderful surgeon who cared for so many with compassion and knowledge!
Very Kindest Regard,
Stephen Napier
Thank you for your protection and kindness when I was a boy. You set a fine example of a southern gentleman. Thinking of you and your family.
Ps. Thank you for getting me out of that speeding ticket! 🙂