Donald William Griffin

Donald William Griffin, of Ortonville Michigan, at just short of 92 years old, was promoted to Heaven on June 19, 2026.

Don was the truly devoted husband of Dolores for 66 wonderful years! These two adorable souls married in 1959 and raised two children together in Davison. He is survived by his loving wife, Dolores (“Dee”); and his daughter, Colleen, who looked up to her amazing Dad in every way since she was a little girl. Don lost his incredible son, Mike, in 2018, to tragedy. He is also survived by his dear grandchildren; Joseph (Lexi), Robin (Connor), and Joseph Bryant (Ashley); and his beloved great grandson, Chase. Donald was the best husband and father we could dream of…always a loving provider and great role model for his family and others.

Donald was born and raised in Davison, Michigan, to William J. Griffin and Mildred Griffin, who raised a beautiful family in Richard, Donald, and little sister Karen. Don is survived by his loving and dear sister Karen and brother-in-law George Myers; his brother-in-law Jim (the late Joann) and several nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. Don was preceded in death by his brother Richard (Margaret) and his sister-in-law Jackie (Jim) Guelde.

Don graduated from Davison High School and, with his hard-working spirit, lined up for work at AC Spark Plug (GM) on his 18th birthday, shortly after graduation. He had the hard work ethic of his own Dad and maintained that through his entire 42 years with General Motors. Donald went from an aspirational kid on the assembly line through the level of senior leadership in General Motors as Executive Director North American Operations Logistics. His most formative years were with AC Spark Plug and Truck & Bus while he grew, and was promoted many times, all while forming beautiful relationships with so many friends. Don, along the way, earned his bachelor’s degree at GMI alongside his sponsored AC Spark Plug co-op work program. He also went on to earn his master’s degree in industrial engineering from The University of Michigan.

Not only did he work hard for General Motors, but Don also served his country starting in 1958 in boot camp with the United States Army in a selective service program, and as a reservist. Don served and worked until he was honorably discharged in 1966.

Don, being the always charismatic, people-loving guy, also served his community by volunteering with organization and corporate boards such as the Industrial Mutual Association (IMA sports arena), Old News Boys, Flint Osteopathic Hospital, Flint Junior Golf (with Dolores leading the charge!) and his neighborhood HOA (also with Dolores). Donald always sponsored diplomacy, action, problem solving, respect and friendships.

Donald…to save his lifelong passion for last…was a car guy at heart. Everything was about cars from childhood to heaven. His memories of any event or circumstance always tied to a model and year of the car he associated with it. Don’s most favored car was the beloved Corvette. He bought a 1974, restored it, joined the Michigan Chapter of the NCRS National Corvette Restorer’s Society. Don studied and learned and used his manufacturing knowledge to bring his expertise to his group of friends in the NCRS. He had owned several more Corvettes along the way and utilized them to help the NCRS develop judging manuals and methods. He aspired further and achieved a level of Master Judge with his group of friends and enthusiasts. Don loved this group of folks who strive to keep the energy and passion alive for old and new Corvette models. Don will always be part of the fabric of the NCRS.

A very special tribute for Donald will be held with Dolores and family, friends, neighbors and car guys. It will be a prayerful and uplifting time to celebrate the wise, beautiful blue-eyed handsome and witty man we hold in our hearts.

Memorial donations may be made in Don’s honor to Lucky Day Animal Rescue of Grand Blanc, www.luckydayanimalrescue.org or Kettering University, www.Kettering.edu/give or No Swine Left Behind, Edmore MI, www.NoSwineLeftBehind.org