When we lived on Eastman, we became good friends with the Plummers, who lived across the cul de sac. Ray and Dad had the same sense of humor. Vivian and I were the same age. Marie and Mom got on well.

Throughout my childhood we took vacations with friends--my parents had so many. Our favorite destination with the Plummers was Glenwood Springs. At that time, I-70 was a 2-lane road through the canyon, and I remember a few times when we got stopped for so long we'd pull out a picnic. Dad and Ray would have a cold beer.

On every trip Ray and Dad took Viv and me on an adventure. I think we were about 5 in this photo, with Dad leading me on my first horseback ride and Ray with Viv in the background. My horse's name was Soapsuds.

Dad at Prien, circa 2002. He would always bait the crab lines for me because the texture of raw chicken necks made me cringe. Crabbing with him is one of my favorite memories. We'd arrive and head down to the warf usually before we even unpacked. One of Dad's greatest gifts to our family is Prien.

Dad and Aunt Craig were best friends. I know he always wanted to move back to Lake Charles, but life never led him that way. I am so happy I had my camera with me when Aunt Craig, Nancy and Mary Katherine visited in 2017. I loved photography since middle school, and he always made sure I had a little extra for film and developing.

Dad and Aunt Craig were best friends. I know he always wanted to move back to Lake Charles, but life never led him that way. I was so happy that he was able to visit a couple of times before he died. 

In August 2017 Aunt Craig, Nancy and Mary Katherine came for a visit. I brought my camera and tripod to take this family photo of three generations. I have loved photography since middle school, and growing up Dad made sure I had extra money for film and developing it.

Dad at Prien, circa 2002. He would always bait the crab lines for me because the texture of raw chicken necks made me cringe. Crabbing with him is one of my favorite memories. We'd arrive and head down to the warf usually before we even unpacked. One of Dad's greatest gifts to our family is Prien. 

When we lived on E Eastman Pl in Aurora, the first house my parents owned, we became good friends with the Plummers, who lived across the cul de sac. Ray and Dad had the same sense of humor. Vivian and I were the same age. Marie and Mom got on well. Throughout my childhood we took vacations with friends--my parents had so many. Our favorite destination with the Plummers was Glenwood Springs. At that time, I-70 was a 2-lane road through the canyon, and I remember a few times when we got stopped for so long we'd pull out a picnic. On every trip Ray and Dad took Viv and me on an adventure. I think we were about 5 in this photo, with Dad leading me on my first horseback ride and Ray with Viv in the background. My horse's name was Soapsuds. 

My husband Steve, daughter Lauren and I took Dad to The Melting Pot in June 2018 to celebrate Father's Day, my 49th birthday and Lauren's 17th birthday. I can't have fondue without thinking about him. When I was really small, he started a tradition of having a steak fondue on the first snow. Steak was expensive so it was a special occasion. He would start a fire, pull the coffee table in front of the fireplace and set up the fondue pot. We would all sit on the floor and cook steak in the oil, plus cut up bread for croutons, a salad and baked potato. He cooked his steak well done. 

I'd never call my Dad trendy, but in 1971 he decided to grow a mustache. Every night when he got home, I would crawl into his lap and pull on the hairs. My Mom thought it was hilarious, and he would laugh, but the story goes that a few days after she took this photo, he shaved it off. This is my most treasured photo of us together.  Also check out that tie! 

Dad protested taking selfies, but I'm so happy I convinced him most times. 

Dad and me before my senior prom, 1987. He traveled a lot for work, but he regularly was there for my events--dance recitals, plays, pom performances, etc. He came to my rescue a few times too, once picking me and a friend up in Morrison around 1am. My bag with my car keys had been stolen during a concert. I wasn't allowed to drive on the highway yet--I has just gotten my license. He didn't say a word, even when he took me back with the spare key the next day. I was not a kid who got in trouble, and many years later he told me that it was about time (with a laugh).

Lauren is Dad's 1st grandchild. This is my favorite photo of them, taken when she was 9 mo old. Mom took care of her one day a week for several years, and she was quite close to Grammy and Papa. Dad was not confident about taking care of her on his own until one day Mom and I left them together. I think she was about 3 mos old. When we got back about 2 hours later, he was giving her a bottle. He proudly shared that he had changed her diaper without incident too.

Bill loved spending time with his dear friends Ray and Marie

Wonderful memories of Bill! We'll miss him dearly! Viv aka Voom Voom! 

2017 Louisiana Thanksgiving w/ Shaddock family.

Bill just  a very nice Genteman ;
we had some good times and enjoyed the broncos!
Go TIGERS

You & joyce were  always very graciuos !
John & shari Greenwood

Bill and Joyce were dear and treasured friends.   We have a picture of them in our study that I see and smile everyday.  We were privileged
and grateful to have them in our lives.   Lynn, Kate and Will,  you carry their loving and giving spirit with you always,  they were proud of you and loved each one of you very much.   Know that you are loved by us and we pray God's peace be with each of you.  
Sherry and Mark

OBITUARY

William E. Gorham III

July 21, 1940 – October 31, 2022

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Chapel Hill

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