The Trucker’s Last Ride

Willie Wilfred Grier is the only son of the late Willie Clifford Grier and Jimmie Dora (Heflin) Grier.  Still considered young at 50 years old, Willie was born in Marietta, Cobb County, Georgia on November 18, 1969.

As a youngster, Willie joined the East Roanoke Pure Holiness Church, where he enjoyed drumming and playing piano at the Church.  He lived a full life, centered on God, family, and church.

The love of his life is Mrs. Vivian Milton Grier.  Their marriage gave rise to six children: two sons, two daughters and two grandchildren whom they adored.  

He would probably have loved the expression “If you bought it, a trucker brought it!” For most of his adult life, truck-driving was a very big part of Willie’s life.  He drove for DP Trucking, McClendon Trucking, and Fed Ex Ground.   For more than 15 years, Willie lived both on and off the road.  God blessed him to see parts of our country that few people do, and experience things that few people ever will.

In his late 40s, the prime of his life, Willie faced unexpected challenges, after suffering a stroke – one of the most disabling illnesses known to man -- that he just couldn’t rebound from.  This brought an abrupt end to his career as a commercial driver, which he loved, and other activities that he had once enjoyed.  Finding himself more restricted, he took a liking to playing video games, watching trucking videos, other television programs, and working on cars. 

Willie was preceded in death by both parents, Willie Clifford and Jimmie Dora Grier.  Then on Tuesday evening, February 4, God in his infinite wisdom reunited him with his parents, bringing him safely to his eternal home in heaven; he was at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.  

Many fond memories of Willie as a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather and friend, will be shared by his widow, Mrs. Vivian Grier of Roanoke; two (2) daughters: Ashley Fanning of Roanoke, Candice Fanning of Port Huemene, CA; two (2) sons: Dakota Grier of Roanoke, AL, Michael Fanning of Atlanta, GA; two (2) granddaughters: Malaysia Grier and Diamond Foster; a half-brother, William Ballard of Salt Lake City, UT; a special cousin, David Lynch; his childhood friend, Randy Chappell, and finally two special friends, Michael Johnson and Charles Hughley.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Willie Wilfred Grier, please visit our floral store.