William “Willie” Keith Greenlaw
PORTLAND – William “Willie” Keith Greenlaw passed away on April 29, 2024 surrounded by loved ones at Mercy Hospital.
Willie was born Dec. 15, 1933 in Portland, to Edythe Mae Laite and Frederick Keith Greenlaw. On March 3, 1953, Willie married his high school sweetheart, Caroline (Cavallaro) Greenlaw, remaining together for 71 years until his passing.
Willie was a graduate of Portland High School class of 1953, excelling in football, basketball, track and field, and baseball. A local legend but humble in his demeanor, Willie was a multi-sport record holder for many years.
He continued his academic and athletic career in Lincoln, Neb. at the University of Nebraska. In Lincoln, Willie played varsity baseball and football for the Cornhuskers with an appearance in the 1955 Orange Bowl and election into the Nebraska Cornhuskers Football Hall of Fame in 1989. After his collegiate career, Willie played professionally and semi-professionally with the Cincinnati Reds organization and the Portland Seahawks football team in 1960. Willie was an inductee into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame 1984, the Maine Sports Hall of Fame 1986, and the Portland High School Football Hall of Fame original class of 2013.
Willie was a worker in the trades with many years of service for both Maine Tile and retiring from Paul G. White Tile in Portland.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Edythe, father, Fredrick; and sister, Larita.
Willie is survived by his wife, Caroline Greenlaw; daughters Debra O’Brion and Carol Greenlaw, son-in-law Marty O’Brion Sr.; four grandchildren, Martin (Kelley) O’Brion Jr., Kara (Ryan) Sullivan, John William (Jen) O’Brion, and Seth William (Lindsay) Greenlaw. He also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren; and beloved in-laws; cousins; nieces and nephews.
Thank you to the doctors and nurses at Mercy Hospital for the great care and love given to Willie.
At the request of the family, the funeral and burial will be private.
Arrangements in care of Jones, Rich and Barnes Funeral Home, Portland. Please visit http://www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to leave condolences for the family an d sign Willie’s online guest book.
Donations in Willie’s name may be made to the American Heart Association, Maine Division,
4217 Park Place Court,
Glen Allen, VA 23060
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