Richard Carlton "Soup" Griffin, Sr. was born July 20, 1951, and was the eighth of nine children to the late William Maurice Griffin, Sr. and Annie O. Griffin in Fredericksburg, VA. He departed this life December 6, 2023, at Mary Washington Hospital surrounded by family and close friends.

Carlton accepted Christ at an early age at Union Bell Baptist Church in Stafford, VA. He was an active and regular participant on the Tuesday night Griffin Family Prayer Line.

He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and was an outstanding student, attending James Monroe High School, graduating in 1969. Pursuing a higher education, Carlton attended Norfolk State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree  in Physical  Education and a Master's Degree in Education Supervision  and Administration from the University of  Virginia. While a student at Norfolk State, Carlton was an offensive lineman for the Spartans.  Upon graduation, he was afforded the opportunity to try out as a walk on for the Chicago Bears.

He worked in Fredericksburg, VA at his alma mater, James Monroe High School as a physical education teacher and assistant football coach. He later became the assistant principal at James Monroe High School 1980 to 1987. He was the first principal of Walker-Grant Middle School from 1987 to 1991. He then moved to West Springfield High School in Fairfax, where he served 21 years as an assistant principal.

After 34 years in education, Carlton retired with the goal of fishing in mind. But just six months after retiring from the Fairfax County School System, the education bug bit him again – this time in Caroline County as he took the helm of principal at Caroline High School and Bowling Green Elementary School.

Carlton loved his students and was a motivator who encouraged them and opened his arms to many. An advocate for young people, he often said "I'm a firm believer that if kids do what you ask them to do, we need to reward them." He was a devout family man. He treasured his children and grandchildren and appreciated every moment with them.

Carlton's lively personality always made people around him laugh and smile. He valued friendships, which was evident through his relationships with many. He enjoyed playing sports, attending family gatherings and singing the Stylistics in falsetto. Another of his favorite pastimes was attending Norfolk State's homecoming games.  He would drive his RV and enjoy a full weekend of tailgating and fellowshipping. He also loved chauffeuring family around in his RV. Carlton truly loved to celebrate life and never met a stranger.

In February 2023, Carlton achieved another great milestone! The 1974-76 CIAA championship-winning football team, of which he was a member, was inducted into The Norfolk State Department of Intercollegiate Athletics 2023 Hall of Fame.  Many of his family members and friends traveled to Norfolk to witness him receive this extraordinary honor.

Carlton was preceded in death by his mother and father, one brother, William,  two sisters Olivia and Maxine, former wife, Frances, and two grandsons, Desmond and Donovan.

He leaves to cherish his memories one daughter, Katrina Griffin of Fredericksburg; one son, Richard "RC" Griffin Jr. (Akeeia) of Fredericksburg; three grandsons, Khadair Keys, Khamoni Keys, and Richard "Tre" Griffin III; two granddaughters, Savannah Griffin and Sheree Turner; one great granddaughter, Nalana Barnes; one brother, Herman K. Griffin (Virginia); four sisters, Anne Walker of New York, Lucille McReynolds of Fredericksburg, Brenda Parker (Thomas) of Fredericksburg, and Maurine Denise Jackson (Theodore) of Spotsylvania; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and host of  friends too many to name.

A viewing will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home, 200 Butternut Drive, Fredericksburg, VA, 22408, on Friday, December 15, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and one hour prior to the funeral service. A funeral service will be held at Hugh Mercer Elementary School, 2100 Cowan Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 11:00 AM.