Palmer Leslie Griffith, Jr.

Palmer Leslie ‘Dude’ Griffith, Jr., 89 of Christiansburg, passed away September 13, 2025. He was born on February 25, 1936, to the late Palmer Leslie Griffith, Sr. and Sylvia Eanes Grifith.

In addition to his parents, Dude was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Jackie Gray Griffith; brothers, L. L. ‘Red’ Griffith, Sr., Robert ‘Bob’ Griffith; son-in-law, J. W. Akers; niece, Deby Griffith Aliff; and nephew, Lee Griffith.

Dude is survived by his daughter & son-in-law, Cheryl & Arnold Quesenberry; son & daughter-in-law, Blake & Karen Griffith; brother & sister-in-law, Mike and Terry Griffith; grandchildren, Kristie Akers Jearls (Mitch), Lee-Ellen Akers Cox, Ashlyn Akers Clark, Taylor Griffith Wright (Fredy), Gray Griffith (Brooke). Others left to cherish his memory are great-grandchildren, Chandler Jearls (Emilie), Connor Jearls, Kade Akers, Kenadee Clark, Kendrick Clark, Kayson Clark, Kohen Clark, Julian Gallagher, Bryce Cox, Macie Wright, Wells Griffith, Dane Griffith; special niece, Teri Griffith Coleman (Mike); other nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews; Dude’s Drive In employees; special neighbors, Gary & Vicki Kitts; as well as fur baby girl, Pepper.

Dude was employed by Richardson’s Funeral Home and Ambulance Service, and owned Dude’s Drive In. He volunteered on the first Christiansburg Rescue Squad with 20 years of service, served on the Town Council of Christiansburg for several years until he decided not to run. He was also an active member of Laurel Hill Church of Christ. Dude’s hobbies were serving others and his work on various projects.

Special thanks to his wonderful caregivers, Tracy Murphy, Valerie Shealor, Sequoia Shealor, and LaDonna Handy; his doctors, Dany Kelly and Jed Duensing; Good Samaritan Hospice; and helping hands, Randy Beasley and David Maxwell.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Christiansburg Rescue Squad or to Good Samaritan Hospice.

Private Graveside Services were held in Sunset Cemetery, Christiansburg.