Virgil Leslie Griffin of Hardy, Arkansas passed away on Friday, May 27, 2022, at the age of 87.  Virgil was born in Otwell, Ark. on Feb. 11, 1935.  He was the son of Bernard and Essie Anderson Griffin, and the oldest of two sons.  Virgil was a graduate of Valley View High School and Arkansas State College.  He was an educator and basketball coach for 17 years working at Cash and Weiner in Arkansas and Couch and Alton in Missouri, and was a veteran of the Arkansas National Guard.  

Virgil opened Lazy Acres Riding Stables along the South Fork River in Hardy, in the summer of 1960 offering trail rides and family camping.  The stables remained in operation for 60 years and the camp is still in operation.  During the past 50 years, Virgil has worked in real estate, been a commercial fisherman in the Florida Keys, opened and operated several area restaurants, and hauled farm-raised catfish.  Noted for his competitive spirit, Virgil was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed watching college basketball and fishing.

 Virgil was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Melvin.  He is survived by his wife, Donna Seal Griffin, of Siloam Springs, Ark.; four sons:  Gregg, Alan, Scott, and Russ; six grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

 A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sat., June 25 at Griffin Park.