Remembering David C. Spriggs, 76-- The Flower Guru

You may not have met David Spriggs, but you probably passed his little shop on Grand Boulevard-- -- New Port Richey’s only downtown flower shop.

The community received the sad news Tuesday that Spriggs passed away after a lengthy illness.

Born February 22, 1935 in Dayton, Ohio, plants and flowers were just one of his many interests.

Spriggs graduated in 1957 from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he was also a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.

After graduating he became a private educator at the Allied Health School.

Before retiring to New Port Richey in 1987, Spriggs lived in Maryland where he was an active member of numerous civic organization, serving as an exalted ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Washington Rockville Lodge #15, and a member of the Shriners and local Masonic Lodge.

Spriggs opened Flowers by Gru in August 1987, soon after he moved to New Port Richey. Twenty-fouur years later, the little flower shop has grown to be a well-known feature of the downtown landscape.

David was also a world traveler and enjoyed learning from his many trips overseas. During his travels, he collected numerous artifacts and antiques, which he kept on display in his New Port Richey home.

According to historical society member Dan Callaghan, “entering David’s home was like entering a chaotic and dazzling museum with collections of art, glass, and statues to overwhelm the senses--he had a huge bull's head art piece made of semi-precious stones.”

Locally, Spriggs' generosity was well known throughout our community.

He graciously donated and created table settings of flower art for the West Pasco Historical Society's annual fashion show. He often donated African and Haitian art and statues from his own private collection to the African American Club of Pasco's silent auctions.

Local history was another odf Spriggs' passions. From 1994 to 1996, he served as the and later became a board member.

But his contributions to the society didn’t end there. He was often called on to give an informative lecture during the society’s monthly membership meetings.

David was always willing to share his extensive knowledge and personal collections, which included Mola fabric art collected by him when he lived among the Kuna Indians of Panama, and,more recently, his expertise in growing the miniature bonsai tree.

David C. Spriggs is survived by three cousins: Jennie Mikos, Betty Lamb and Robert Spriggs.

Memorial services will be held Monday, August 23, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home at 5228 Trouble Creek Road.

Internment will be made at Memorial Park in Dayton, Ohio.