Wayman Earl Griffin

Wayman Earl Griffin was born on December 15, 1955, to Marjorie and Rev. Lewis C. Griffin. He attended junior high school at Emerson and graduated from Fox Tech in 1974.

Wayman played football and ran track, earning a football scholarship to Texas Tech University, where he played from 1974 to 1976.
Afterward, Wayman enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving from 1976 to 1980, including a posting in Germany. Following an honorable discharge, he returned to San Antonio and attended St. Philip’s College, earning an associate’s degree in custom tailoring and furniture upholstery.
Wayman went on to work at the VA Hospital, where, while building his career, he met Michelle Edwards, whom he later married. Together they had three children: Mercedes, Taylor, and Cameron. He retired from the VA Hospital in 2020 after 40 years.

Wayman was a man of many talents and passions. He co-owned a restaurant with his friend Rodney Burks. He was a music promoter who brought many top jazz musicians and groups to San Antonio. He founded and edited Legacy Magazine and SNAP News, one of the few Black-owned papers in the city and served as Vice President of the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum.

Wayman was a faithful member of Saint Stephen’s Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, Sunday School director and teacher, and a member of the usher board.
Wayman was an excellent father. He balanced his career as a Radiology Supervisor with being a loving, present father to his children and a devoted husband to his wife, Michelle.

Wayman is survived by his sons, Taylor and Cameron (Tyler); his two brothers, Carl and Lewis; his four sisters, Brenda, Verda, Marjie Nell, and Mary; and his grandson, Cassius Griffin (son of Cameron and Tyler); along with a host of other relatives. He was preceded in death by his wife, Michelle Griffin; his daughter, Mercedes Griffin; his mother, Marjorie Griffin; his father, Lewis C. Griffin Sr.; and his biological father Tilford Grant.