Willie Grinnan, 75, of New Haven, CT, loving husband of Mamie Coleman Grinnan departed this life on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at Saint Raphael’s Hospital.
Mr. Grinnan was born February 19, 1936 in Clover, VA to Willie Sr. & Elisa Lacks Grinnan. Willie best known as “Blind Willie” enjoyed baseball, family time & his daily trips to the Mohegan Sun. Besides his loving wife, he leaves daughter Gloria Grinnan; son David Hudson; 5 sisters, 1 brother, 10 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, 7 sister-n-laws, 6 brother-n-laws, 1 Aunt & 1 Uncle & a goddaughter, along with a host of other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by 1 daughter, Carlotta Grinnan, 1 sister, 2 brothers & 3 sister-n-law, 3 brother-n-laws. A celebration of his life will take place on Monday, October 3, 2011 at Saint Matthews Unison Free Will Baptist Church 400 Dixwell Ave, New Haven, CT with calling hours from 9 – 11am. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery. Service by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT 06511. Messages of comfort: www.hkhfuneralservices.com
Dear Mamie, and the Grinnan Family: I was shocked to hear Willie had passed away. I feel honored to have represented him. I will miss his phone calls, when he would call me and say "This is Willie!" As if it could be anyone else. I am sorry I was not able to make it to the celebration of his life, as I had to be in court, but I have remembered Willie in my prayers. He always made me smile, and he was a kind and loyal friend. I am sure he is in heaven,and even though the world is a sadder place without Wilie, I think Heaven must be much happier.