Joe was part of this painting, he was so happy and proud that night.
We lost another part of Grove history last week. This time it's a person. Joe Ellison, "Cool Joe," "Old Joe," passed away on Friday. He had been in Villa Maria Hospice for a short while after spending time in Mercy Hospital, he passed from cancer at age 68.
Joe was a fixture in the Grove, he ran errands for everyone and was a big part of all our events. He loved to dance, that was his favorite thing. He knew everyone and always said, "hello" when he walked by.
Erin Compton of The Last Carrot and Danny Lovett of Revolution Bicycle Shop were with him in his last days. They visited him and Erin was instrumental in having Joe moved to Villa Maria from Mercy Hospital.
Noel Garcia has a big stack of mail at New Age Piercing, where all of Joe's mail was sent. Noel was Joe's own personal mail drop.
No word yet on services.
Very cool gentleman, I considered Joe a good friend, his back story is pretty incredible, we'd chat every week or so, after Irma we lost contact very sad to hear about Joe's passing, a class act and fun soul. RIP my friend
ReplyDeleteThe Grove just lost a real character. I remember when he'd had a few at the Barracuda and mistook a pool cue for his walking stick.
ReplyDeleteI used to spend many evenings chatting with him. Didn't have a clue what he was saying, but very interesting.
Cheers Joe! BTW, you can keep the $20 you owe me ;-)
We will toast him on Friday at Trivia at the SandBar and celebrate is wife....
ReplyDeleteJoe's journey to Miami is an amazing story, we talked a few times, Joe was a diver on the exhibition team at the Biltmore, the team was from UM, there is a very interesting story that had a sad ending, Joe's life was full of adventure, many a beer, many a joke,
ReplyDeleteDanny (Lovett) told me yesterday when I came around looking for Joe. I am genuinely heart broken, but also glad that he is no longer in pain. The cancer was really bringing him down. But I don't want to walk about that, I want to remember the good times.
ReplyDeleteI met Joe about 3 years ago. I'd park my bike in front of Akashi and we would chat daily. My office was above Prep Works and we'd wave to each other every now and then as well. One day I see him waving his arms around trying to get my attention, with a huge grin on his face. I went down to see what was up. He had gone fishing, caught a bunch of snook, got them fried up by one of the cooks at Cheesecake Factory and was now sharing them. His kind gesture warmed my heart and solidified our friendship until the end.
Was this the same person who sat on the couch in the mornings in from of Ramona La Rue?
ReplyDeleteHe came in to the This and That shop regularly. Always pleasant and said hi when I saw him. He was so excited last year to get new teeth and was waiting for knee and foot surgery.
ReplyDeleteHe will be missed😩
10 years working for fat tuesday. 16 years knowing Joe. The man from Georgia. The diver! The only man i know that got an tax income check cause someone worked under hid name. Lol! Through ups and downs! From the angel he encountered walking back from jimbos (a long time ago) to me giving him cpr at fat tuesday. Dance joe dance! Slide down through. The man the myth the legend. Joe Lett. R.I.P brother.
ReplyDeleteGodspeed, dear brother Joe. May you be met by the Everlasting Arms of Love.
ReplyDeleteBack in the day of 'the Hungry Sailor', there was not a better dancer than Joe! He was in Perfect physical condition, could make anyone laugh and always had a beautiful girl dancing with him! Rest in peace Joe, dance amongst the stars!
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