Eli F. Granillo Jr. Obituary (1941 - 2022)

Eli Granillo Jr.Jan 19, 1941 - Jan 17, 2022Eli Granillo Jr. was born in Brawley, CA on Jan. 19, 1941, to Ely Granillo Sr. and Mary Hinojosa Granillo. He died just two days before his 81st birthday. He was preceded in death by his Father, Mother, and his precious Mama'. Eli graduated from Central Union High School in 1958. That summer he joined the United States Air Force. All his life he felt that was his life's greatest honor. He loved America, the Flag and all things Military. Someone wrote an article that my cousin, Joe Gardner, retired United States Air Force, sent me entitled "You Can Leave the Military, But it Never Really Leaves You". There exists in the Military an institutional understanding of respect, order, uniformity, accountability and dedication that becomes part of your marrow and never, ever leaves you.He was a member of the American Legion Post 25 and the 20th TAC Fighter Wing Association. He would do anything Military related, fundraisers, Veteran's Walks, worked with the mobile Vietnam Wall and he would fly his Flag where ever he was. Eli was able, through years of research, to get all of his Air Force Family back together again after being separated for 35 years. They would have a reunion every two years. They called each other "Friends For Life".He was a proud Conservative Republican and Rush Limbaugh and John Wayne were his Heroes.He had many years of sales jobs, but his dream was to own his own business. In April 1982, he opened E & J Distributors, a nut and bolt business. He never retired. The business came to an end when he passed away.Eli loved anything to do with the outdoors. We briefly moved to Colorado in the late 70's and then the snow came. By Spring and the snow was still present, we returned to thedesert. He would look around at the cactus, the rocks, the sand and dirt and he would say "Isn't this so beautiful?"He loved fishing and hunting and shooting; all traits that he learned from his Dad. He was an active member in the NRA, the Signal Mountain Muzzleloaders, the Yuma Territorial Long Rifle club. He was a Club Elder and President of Rositas Ranch. Most days, Rositas was where you could find Eli.He is survived by his wife Jodi (Stephens) Granillo of 48 years. Together they had two daughters, Icy Bermudez (Cesar), &Dawn Lamoure (Jeff). He is also survived by his son Eli Granillo III (Gina), his daughter Deborah Granillo; his grandchildren:CJ, Brooklyn, Chance and Brady Bermudez, Kelsey, Kylee, Ireland and Logan Lamoure, Haidan and Alyssa HammondLawrence, Desiree and Eli Granillo IV. He was also survived by his brother Franklin Granillo (Jackie), and his sister Frances (Granillo) Dimmitt and his God-daughter Tammy Velasquez.Eli loved his grandchildren. "Papa" could always be counted on to be with them, pick them up, drop them off, a hug when needed and his words of wisdom. He would attend every school function and every game they were in. If he wasn't just a spectator, he was a coach's assistant. He encouraged them to love America and all it stands for and to show proper respect for the Flag. He told them stories of his Military days and fishing, hunting, and shooting adventures. He was strict with them about proper manners and respect. "Papa" was their hero!Service will be held at Frye Chapel and Mortuary in Brawley on Mon Feb 28th at 9:30 am.Burial will be immediately following the service at Evergreen Cemetery in El Centro. He will be given his Military Honors at the graveside.Pall bearers will be Sons-in-law Cesar Bermudez & Jeff Lamoure. Grandsons CJ & Chance Bermudez. Junior Pallbearers will be his Grandsons Brady Bermudez and Logan Lamoure. Our family would like to send out a special thank you to the "Ruegger Family" who made it possible for Eli's final wish to come true. We are forever in your debt.We would also like to thank all those that prayed for us, shared kind words, sent flowers, cards, emails and all the help and love shown to our family. Eli was a good man. His children and grandchildren made him a better man. Eli will never really be gone because he will live on through his family and all those that loved him.