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People in Ocean Beach are remembering long-time resident and pillar of the community, Willie Washington.
According to CBS8, he was known for his shoeshine shop and his kindness. People in the community referred to him as Shoeshine Willie.
Washington lived in Ocean Beach for over 40 years and passed away on Saturday, January 22. He was also a veteran and former pro football player with the Raiders.
"He was always out. He was always greeting everybody. Just an awesome positive guy. He got to know literally everyone and their kids and their dogs," Anna Firicano, an Ocean Beach Town Council Board Member told CBS8.
Washington operated the old Shoeshine Shack on Newport Avenue since the 1970s.
Considered a town legend, and even the "unofficial Mayor of Ocean Beach," the community came together twice to help save the business.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic forced Washington to close down the Shoeshine Shack for good in November of last year.
Brian Firicano, Anna's husband, told CBS8 he knew Washington very well and tried to take care of him as his health deteriorated.
"He was his usual sweet, self but he told us 'don't leave anything with me, I'm not going to be here very long.'" said Anna. "I was like 'Come on, really? You're going to be fine. We'll see you in the new year.' He was like, 'No baby, this is it. I'm not going to be here very long. I won't be here long enough to enjoy all these things you're trying to leave me.' So, you know, we said our goodbyes."
There will not be a funeral service as per Washington's request. Instead, some community members are collecting donations that will be given out to local veteran charities in his honor.