Granville William Hall, affectionately known as “Shorty” and professionally known as “The BBQ Doctor,” died unexpectedly on August 19. He was a man known for wearing many hats.
Growing up in Milton, it was where Hall raised his family. He began working as a child, raising and selling pigs as well as making coal with his father. As an adult, he worked overnight at Atlantis Plastics, raised hogs with Dale Calloway, made pizzas at Quick Stop, was a fisherman and clammer with George Brown while also owning Diamond State Refuse, a trash company.
Hall became a custodian at H.O. Brittingham Elementary School, working as the head custodian and fire chief until he retired. He worked three jobs, driving the trash truck in the morning, as a custodian at HOB during the day and gaining his reputation as the “BBQ Doctor” on the weekends.
His career in barbecue began when his youngest daughter, Sonya, was born a preemie in 1983. Hall and his brother-in-law, J. Kevin Whaley, established the BBQ Doctors as a way to generate extra income to travel back and forth with his wife, Blanche, to Christiana Hospital to visit Sonya. This side job turned into a 42-year successful catering business, advertised solely by word of mouth.
After retiring, Hall enjoyed soap operas, game shows, WNBA games, the Little League World Series, local high school sports and, of course, his Redskins. He had an amazing love and deep admiration for his entire family and multitude of friends. He truly believed in and loved the good Lord.
Hall was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph H. and Vandola L. Harmon; three angel daughters, Shanna, Stacy and Tracy; his great-grandson and little buddy, Makoa Copes; his father- and mother-in-law, Alton T. and Lillie B. Whaley; his sister-in-law, Sheila Batson-Lang and his niece, Lasheena Griffin.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 52½ years, Blanche; his baby girl, Sonya Hall; his bonus daughter since she was two years old, Theresa, and her husband, Kemp Brittingham of Milton. His sister and her husband, Geraldine and Willard Allen Jr. of Milton also survive him along with his brother and his wife, Jesse and Betty Hall Sr. of Philadelphia. Hall is survived by his granddaughter, Zynaisa and his great-grandchildren, Aveah and Royale of Millsboro; his brother-in-law, Alton Whaley Jr. of Milton; his sister-in-law, Sandra Watson of Frederica; his brother-in-law and his wife, Jeremiah Kevin and Paulette of Frederica; his brother-in-law Camuel Whaley of Frederica; and his sister-in-law and her husband, Marneeta and Jeffery Akins of Harrington.
In addition, great-nieces and nephews Hall raised as grandchildren also survive him. They include: A.J. Allen and his wife Martisha of Magnolia; Jordan Allen and his wife Hannah of Lancaster, California; Johnesha Warren of Mt. Prospect, Illinois; Kemp Brittingham Jr. of Milton; Jon Warren of Stillwater, Oklahoma; and Kaylah Banks of Milton. Shorty’s adopted son, Shawn Moore, and his wife, Jaime, of Lincoln, will also remember him fondly, along with his best good friends: Keith Brittingham, Emory Howell, Albert Davis, Rita Morris, Lisa Carter, Justin Jones, Kenny Morris, and James Jackson.
His abundance of nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews often made him shed tears of joy because of their many accomplishments. He truly was the definition of a hard-working family man with a limitless heart and the biggest smile. To say he will be missed by many is an understatement.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 4 at the Ellendale Fire Station #75 at 302 Main Street, Ellendale DE. A time of visitation will be from 11 AM to 1 PM with services held immediately after. The repast will also be held at the fire hall following the services.
Hall would want everyone to remember Matthew 25:13: “And his master said to him, ‘ Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a. few things; I will put you in charge of many things! Come and share your Master’s happiness” when they think of him.
