Walter "Hawk" Edward Grannison Jr.

Walter Edward Grannison Jr. , 87, was born on April 26, 1936, in Harrisburg, PA. Son of the late Juanita Grannison (Hopson) and the late Walter E. Grannison Sr.

Walter, affectionately known as Hawk to family and friends, received his formal education from the Harrisburg School System, John Harris campus. After high school, he married his high school sweetheart Thelma Fleming and became the father of four daughters (Debra, Diana, Dolores, and Thelma). The marriage did not last but they remained good friends and effective co-parents. He later extended his family with Virginia Louise Palmer to include a son, Kyle Palmer, and daughter Mia Palmer.

Hawk realized early in his career pursuits that he was an entrepreneur at heart. He started several businesses and retired after 50 years as a successful jazz club owner (with his partner and longtime companion, Helen Moore [dec.]) and tavern owner.

An avid sports fan, Hawk loved all sports. His favorite team was the L.A. Dodgers. His favorite player and sports hero was Jackie Robinson. You could often find him at home watching several sporting events on multiple TVs at one time. He was a championship bowler and enjoyed attending local high school track meets. Hawk was also a music lover with a passion for live entertainment. His taste was eclectic with his favorite genres being Jazz and Gospel.

Hawk attended the Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church faithfully from 2008 until his 2020 illness, when he was no longer able to attend. He had a giving heart and loved people. He was the person family, friends and sometimes strangers turned to when they needed something. He once said that "every day someone asks him for something" he was not complaining, he said “he was blessed in his lifetime so he would be able to help others, so he did".

On Saturday, May 20, 2023, Hawk entered eternal rest at the Homeland Center, Harrisburg PA. He gave his life to Christ on September 18, 2021, so we know our Dad is with Our Father. He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Juanita Grannison His brothers, Kenneth Grannison, Ronald Grannison, Albert Grannison, and his granddaughter Latosha Grannison. Hawk is survived by his sister, Audrey Link, his children, Debra Totton (Roger), Diana Grannison, Dolores Chandler (Vince), Thelma Grannison, Kyle Palmer (Kashe), Mia Palmer Baltimore, 2 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 1 great great-grandchild and a host of relatives and friends.