West Nile Virus Takes Life Of Indian Mound Resident

INDIAN MOUND — Riley Joseph Gremillion, Jr., 70, of Indian Mound died last Friday of the West Nile virus, according to a statement issued yesterday by his son, Robert Gremillion.

When questioned by the Central City News earlier in the week, the state Dept. of Health and Hospitals refused to confirm the name of the victim or the location, citing privacy laws.

In a statement, Robert Gremillion said his father passed away four days after the first symptoms.  He expressed gratitude on behalf of his mother for the many condolences which the family received.

Robert said he didn’t know whether West Nile-infected mosquitoes are in Central or whether his father’s infection was a rare accident.  But he urged Central residents to take precautions. “Have your yards sprayed and don’t stay out for long periods of time without Deet. The very young and the very old are vulnerable. Please take this seriously. I have lived in Indian Mound for most of my life, and I don’t want anyone else to go through what we have endured over a stupid mosquito. I know this is where Dad wanted to be, and he was happy to live in this community. Thank you all for your prayers.”

Mr. Riley J. “Jay” or “Papa” or “R.J.” Gremillion, Jr. was married to his wife Theresa Paline Gremillion for 47 years.  He is survived by his wife, his son Robert Paul Gremillion and wife Kim Watts Gremillion, daughter Katherine Gremillion Wesley and husband Robert Wesley, and two sisters, Claire Gremillion and Linda Gremillion Polk and husband C. Randall Polk.

Visiting occurred at St. Alphonsus where he was a member.  The Mass of Christian Burial by Rev. Michael Maroney was held Monday at Roselawn.