Bill was born in Navasota, Texas on December 13, 1921, the third of four children born to Leona Johnson Grimes and Merton Ona Grimes. The family lived near Moffatt, Texas, in Belton, and finally in Austin. Bill was an Eagle Scout, and went to the very first Boy Scout Jamboree in Washington DC in 1937. He received his BS from the University of Texas. He enlisted in the Navy and served as ensign of a PT boat in the Pacific. After the war, he earned an MS in Mechanical Engineering from UT. He met Ardath Singletary in Austin and they were married August 28, 1948.
Bill worked for Exxon (Humble Oil, then Esso, Enco, Exxon, EPRCo and finally Exxon Mobil) for his entire career. He loved his job. He had extended postings in The Netherlands, Scotland, London, and Bordeaux, and visited many other places in the course of his career.
Bill and Ardath were active members of Riverside Methodist Church until 1964, and of Chapelwood United Methodist Church for more than 50 years.
Bill is predeceased by his wife Ardath and daughter Sarah Murphy and is survived by children Melissa, Amy and Billy; seven grandchildren: Yvonne Kimmons, Kate Grimes, Will Grimes, Spring Pearson, Ryan Murphy, Sam Pearson and Jack Murphy; and one great-grandchild: Saskia Kimmons. He loved them all dearly and was always glad to help in any way he could.
Bill will be remembered as exceptionally smart, kind, humorous, humble and diligent; a sincerely devoted husband, father and friend. We have all been inspired by his countless examples of courage, responsibility and honesty and his drive to excel in all that he undertook. There will be many stars in his crown.
Family and friends will gather and share memories during a visitation from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11, at Waltrip Funeral Directors, 1415 Campbell Road in Houston, 77055. Following the visitation, a memorial service will begin at 4:00 p.m. in the Chapelwood United Methodist Church Chapel, 11140 Greenbay, also in Houston, 77024, with Reverend Bob Johnson officiating.
Graveside services will be 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 12, at Laneville Cemetery in Laneville, Rusk County, Texas, a half mile north of Laneville on F.M. 225.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chapelwood United Methodist Church, (713) 465-3467.
