November 25, 1934 – March 1, 2025

With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life well lived, we share the passing of Dr. Robert Jackson Griffon, affectionately known as Bobby Jack, BJ, or Pappy, on March 1, 2025. At 90 years old, he laid down his working tools and peacefully completed his earthly journey, stepping into the loving embrace of God and the cherished family and friends who went before him.

Bobby Jack was born at home in Spearsville, Louisiana, on November 25, 1934, the beloved only child of Albert Jackson and Lois (Davis) Griffon. A gifted athlete and scholar, he graduated from Spearsville High School as a two-time state baseball champion, then he continued his athletic pursuits, lettering in basketball and baseball at Southern Arkansas State. He completed his undergraduate degree from Louisiana Tech University and followed his passion for medicine at Louisiana State University Medical School in New Orleans, where he became an Obstetrician and Gynecologist—a calling that would define his life’s work.

His father introduced him to a “pretty little lady” from nearby Junction City, Louisiana, Martha Ann Kelly. They married and built a beautiful life together, sharing 46 years of love, faith, and family before her passing in 2002. The newlyweds first settled in New Orleans, where they welcomed their first two sons, John Paul and Mark Delane. Following graduation from medical school in 1960, Bobby Jack pursued postgraduate training in Nashville, Tennessee, with an internship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and specialty training in obstetrics and gynecology at Baptist Hospital (now Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital). During this time, he and Martha welcomed the addition of a son, Robert Joseph, and a daughter, Angela Ann. His medical training was interrupted by a call to serve his country. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, he served with honor at Fort Benning, Georgia (now Fort Moore) at Martin Army Hospital, where he was appointed as a reserve commissioned 1st Lieutenant medical officer in the 2nd Infantry Division. Following his honorable discharge as a Captain (O-3) in 1963, he returned to Nashville to complete his specialty training at Baptist Hospital. In 1966, he entered into a private obstetrics and gynecology practice with Dr. Russell Birmingham and Dr. Roy Parker and was a clinical instructor at Vanderbilt University Medical School. He also enjoyed serving as the Vanderbilt Men's Basketball Team physician at that time.

In July 1971, the Griffon family made their way to Friendswood, Texas, — a sweet little Quaker town they would quickly love and call their forever home. Bobby Jack built a 27-year medical partnership and lifelong friendship with Dr. Charles E. Lobb, practicing at Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital. A skilled and compassionate doctor, he delivered over 3,200 babies, including the very first baby born at the hospital’s new location on Astoria Boulevard. His patients knew him as a kind, steady, and deeply dedicated doctor, someone who truly cared about the families he served. Beyond medicine, BJ was a 69-year Master Mason and member of the Friendswood Masonic Lodge #1416, which later merged with the Anson Jones Masonic Lodge #1316, in Friendswood, Texas. He was a loyal supporter of Friendswood High School’s musical theater, the Wranglerettes, and the athletic programs, serving as the team doctor for the Mustangs throughout the 1970s. He was a dedicated member of Friendswood Friends Church for over 36 years, an active Rotarian, and a supporter of many initiatives that enhanced the growing Friendswood community. An avid outdoorsman and sportsman, BJ enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and golf. He always cheered on his beloved LSU Tigers and, depending on which child he was with, their favorite teams in football, basketball, and baseball.

Living a long and blessed life comes with many passions. After a distinguished 40-year medical career, BJ retired in December 1998, embracing his role as “Pappy” to eight grandchildren and countless friends, both young and old. Pappy enjoyed playing golf with “Marmie” (Martha Ann), and after receiving a very thoughtful gift of two racehorses, given by Angela's father-in-law in appreciation for medical treatment assistance, his calling to the Winner’s Circle and Griffon Farms was born. Pappy delighted in breeding and racing thoroughbred racehorses with his trainer and horse racing partner Michelle Lovell, celebrating the birth of two new foals the week before his passing. His greatest joy was attending races in New Orleans, Lexington, and Richmond, to watch his horses race—especially Just Might, his million-dollar winner. He was an active member since 2010 of The Society of the Order of the Southern Cross, a philanthropic organization dedicated to preserving Southern heritage and history. He enjoyed attending events throughout the South with his longtime companion, Betty Mann, in support of the organization's mission.

Pappy was a pillar of wisdom, known for his sage advice on how to have children, how to raise children, or simply offering an ear to listen or a shoulder to rest upon. We will remember him for his distinctive Pappy laugh, his sharp mind, his deep faith, his love for family, and his quiet strength. We will forever see him sporting his signature cowboy hat, purple button-downs, cowboy boots, and embroidered Smathers & Branson custom belts, a true Southern Gentleman. Bobby Jack, BJ, or Pappy, leaves behind a lasting legacy and will be missed by many.

Dr. Griffon was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Ann Kelly; his parents, Albert Jackson and Lois Davis Griffon of Spearsville, LA; his son, John Paul (JP) Griffon of Friendswood, TX; and his longtime companion, Betty Mann of Friendswood, TX. He is survived by his brother-in-law Alvin Webster Kelly and his wife, Betty (Taunton) of Junction City, LA.; two sons, Mark Delane Griffon and his wife, Maribel (Peeler); Robert Joseph Griffon and his wife, Anita (Hill), both of Friendswood, TX; one daughter, Angela Ann Poujol and her husband, Michael, of Houston, TX; eight grandchildren, Jackson Paul Griffon, his wife Katherine (Hepler), Delane Abbott Griffon, his wife Caroline (Anderson); Robert Joshua Griffon, his wife Britney (Henley), all of Friendswood, TX; Abigail Arden Griffon Do, her husband Kevin; Rachael Ann Poujol Prior, her husband Davis; Jaclyn Kelly Poujol; Allyson Griffon Poujol Carameros, her husband Phillip; and Michael David Poujol, all of Houston, TX. Pappy was a proud great-grandfather to his four handsome great-grandsons: Robert Jacob Griffon (5), Charles Malone Carameros (3), Wesley Michael Carameros (1), and Luke Jackson Griffon (7 months). He is also survived by his only niece, Stacy Kelly Marchino, her husband, Chad, and their daughter, Avery Marchino, and several other cousins and relatives who were very close to him throughout his life.

Friends are invited to a visitation with the family from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Jeter Funeral Home, 311 N Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Friendswood Friends Church, 502 S Friendswood Drive, with Pastors Bobby Kirkpatrick and Josh Bunce officiating. Interment with Masonic and U.S. Army burial honors will immediately follow the service at Friendswood Friends Church Cemetery. A reception will follow at Golfcrest Country Club, 2509 Country Club Dr, Pearland, TX, where friends and loved ones can gather to share stories and celebrate Pappy’s remarkable life.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are his grandsons and cherished family: Josh Griffon, Jackson Griffon, Lane Griffon, Michael David Poujol, Phillip Carameros, Davis Prior, Kevin Do, and Alex Anastas.

The family deeply appreciates the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from all who knew and loved Pappy. Your comforting presence is truly felt.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored if you gave donations in Dr. Griffon’s memory to The JP Griffon Memorial Foundation, https://wwwhttps://www.thejp.org/.thejp.org/, The Friendswood Friends Church, friendswoodfriends.org, or a charity of your choice.