I was incredibly shocked and saddened to hear of Bill's passing. As a young engineer out of school, I had the privilege of joining a very experienced AE1107 support team back in 2016. Over the years that followed I was benefited by the knowledge and leadership shared by Bill with his colleagues. Bill was even keeled, patient, and stalwart in his service to the fleet. 

Every morning in the office started by Bill greeting me with a soft smile and silent nod. I loved hearing his perspective and the stories he would share. It was an endless source of experience for me to learn from. Watching Roger and Bill tag team meetings back then was a joy to witness. 

Bill loved to go to Smithfield's BBQ for our team lunches on Fridays. I'll never forget the days of 5-6 of us piling in to Bill's van at lunch time, and all the jokes along the way. It always felt like an accomplishment when we got a deep laugh out of Bill.

It was very obvious to me that everyone respected the hell out of Bill. He was a stand up guy and the world has lost a special man. I had hoped to attend the Celebration of Bill's life tomorrow but unfortunately I won't be able to make it. I'll be there in spirit and will continue to carry forth my fond memories of Bill in my heart. My deepest condolences to the Grantham family and Bill's loved ones.  

Rest easy, Bill.

V/R,
Ryan

My heart hurts for The Grantham Family and wish to extend my condolences to Sally in particular. I didn’t have the pleasure to meet any other family members while I was working with Bill at PMA-275 from 2012-16. 
The first call I received was from Bill when I reported on onboard early-2012. Called him back and we planned to meet asap! He was a breath of fresh air and frankly without his experience, guidance which was well-received, and friendship my time served at PMA-275 as the AE-1107 Engine IPT Lead would have been nothing what it turned out it be for sure!!! 
Bill was a dear friend and colleague. The last time we saw each other was with Sally for dinner right before Reese’s funeral at  Cherry Point where he tried to save Reese’s life while performing CPR until paramedics arrived to the shop office. 
There are two very important things that Bill and I agreed upon firsthand; (1) Fleet service and support is our priority #1, and (2) focus  on the Mission and work hard  to do just that! He met both objectives with stellar dedication, tenacity, and kindness!
Fly high Bill!
V\R,
Pamela Sue Wilson

Sad to hear of the passing of Bill. He was a great Marine and individual. I met Bill as I was retiring from the Corps and he was actually my replacement. He and Sally were very compassionate to me and my family when we were dealing with the loss of Cindy. Rest in Peace Bill. Gone too young.

Sally, Christa & Dustin, Michael & Sarah, Doris & Jimmy, and all of those grandchildren that Bill loved so much I am sorry for your (our) loss.
I could write a book about Bill and it would take more than 2000 characters to share what a great American he was.  As a leader he knew how to solve the issues, communicate, and delegate.  He was the best at what he did and the only reason I stayed in one place for 20 yrs.   Over the 20 years we worked together on the V-22 we probably talked with each other more than we did our wives.
We retired together four years ago and the only thing I miss was our frequent conversations.
We had a common bond with scouting and had many conversations about that.  I believe giving up the SM job was probably one of the hardest things he ever did and I know he had an impact on many scouts lives.
Ours sons ended up with the same degree and we discussed and worried about what they were going to do with them. Both have done very well, but not in the fields of their degrees.
I never had a daughter but our conversations about Christa 22 yrs ago gave me an idea of that special love and worries.  Christa you sure have done well and proved that all his worries were for naught.
We had grandchildren before Bill (2009) and his goal was to catch and surpass us.  Good job Christa, Michael and spouses your dad reached his goal.
Sally he sure loved you and we had many conversations about how he wanted to make sure he planned well enough to "take care of the old girl" in retirement.
I had hoped that retirement would be full of cruises and other trips together but I guess God had other ideas.
From a sailor to a marine - rest in piece shipmate.
Dave & Nancy

I'm saddened to hear about the loss of Mr. Grantham. I was a member of Boy Scout Troop 82 when Mr. Grantham was running it and he really made it something special. As an adult looking back I'm thankful for the amount of time I know he had to have put in making that troop what it was. Being a troop of Marine Corp brats meant that eventually some us had to move on to new troops, and I know when it was my family's time to find a new troop we brought a lot of Troop 82 with us. I'm thankful to have known Bill, I wouldn't be the person I am today without him.

What a wonderful man. It was an honor and pleasure to spend time with him. God Bless.

I did not have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Grantham but I know he raised an honorable strong, family man Michael. That tells me the world is a sadder place after this loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family!

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family and I will miss Bill coming out to Vegas for bowling.  He will be missed truly!!  Love to the family!

OBITUARY

William "Bill" E. Grantham

September 21, 1957 – September 28, 2024

Cotten Funeral Home

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