Photo courtesy of Herring Groseclose Funeral Home - Walla Walla
Mar 14, 1935 - Dec 19, 2024
I am Joanne Martin, Doug Martin‘s wife. Doug, Bill, and Bud Waggoner played many rounds of golf and enjoyed the after game banter and laughs in the 19th hole. Doug considered golf a gentleman’s game and Bill met those expectations. Bill was charming, talented and had many God given gifts. My condolences to the entire Gray family. Godspeed.
Joanne Martin
January 15, 2025 | Walla Walla, WA | Friend
I am Sue's cousin in Michigan. I met Bill 20 years ago in Seattle when we were on our way home from Alaska. What a wonderful, kind man! It felt like we'd known him our whole lives! What wonderful memories you must have! You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Jil Magnan
January 11, 2025 | Greenville, MI | Family
What a life and legacy. Bill was absolutely one of a kind. From his charming sense of humor, to his always perfectly combed hair, to his genuine warmth as a person, to the old joke that he “net met a mirror he didn’t like.” I have so many great memories of Uncle Bill, and whether it’s being out on the golf course or gathered around his sister Mary’s living room, they all have one thing in common — laughter. Gatherings with Bill and his family were always my favorite as a child. Bill was...
JJ and Kim Gray
January 05, 2025 | Menlo Park, CA | Family
What an icon! He was part of my life for over 10 years and was so full of life, always cracking jokes and giving good advise. I hope you allow yourself TWO drops of cream in your coffee in heaven, Bill.
Rest well, you will be missed by all.
Deborah Morehead
January 02, 2025 | WALLA WALLA, WA
Your dad was a very kind man. Always went out of his way to say hi when I would run in to him at Albertsons. Blessings to Sue and to the family.
Lorie Spiess
December 31, 2024 | College Place
Uncle Bill....You will be missed.
I have many fond memories of you that I will carry for the rest of my life.
Rest in peace
Michael Snyder
December 31, 2024 | Rancho Cucamonga, CA | Family
Group of 10 Trees
Kip & Tami Kelly
December 24, 2024
Willard Paul "Bill" Gray, 89, of Walla Walla, WA, passed away on December 19, 2024, with his loving family by his side. Bill was born to Eva and Willard Gray on March 14, 1935, in Nespelem, WA, on the Colville Indian Reservation.
Bill was a dedicated husband to his beloved wife of 66 years, Elizabeth "Sue" Gray, and a loving father to six children: Monica Pace, Bill Gray, Barbara Kenny, Lisa Whalen, Tom Gray, and Jennifer Herrin. He cherished his 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense joy.
Growing up in Nespelem was a source of pride and influence for Bill. School days, sports, festivals, rodeos, and an old mill pond were the backdrop for friendships that would last a lifetime. A piece of his heart always remained in Nespelem, where he was awarded the title of Honorary Chief in his later years.
As a standout in basketball, Bill earned a scholarship to Gonzaga University. His accurate shooting kept him in the varsity starting lineup all four years as he helped his team reach national rankings. Bill spoke of intense games against Seattle University, starring future NBA star Elgin Baylor. Bill also lettered in baseball. As captain in both sports, Bill was well thought of by his teammates.
During his last year at Gonzaga, Bill met freshman Sue Gehlhausen from Livingston, MT. It was love at first sight. Their first date was captured in a prom photo when nominated as the annual "Mick and Colleen," a photo still treasured by their family today.
After Bill's graduation, they married in Livingston, MT, where he helped Sue's father run his sawmill and construction business. Two years later, they moved to Walla Walla so that Bill could take a coaching position at DeSales Catholic High School.
Later, when a college coaching position at Portland State was offered, Bill declined, realizing that Walla Walla was their home.
As his family grew, so did his career. From 1975 until his retirement in 1992, Bill joined and later became Executive Director of PSE (Public School Employees), traveling the state negotiating benefits. In addition to his career with PSE, Bill took pride in his service of thirty-four years with the US Army Reserve, retiring with the rank of Colonel.
With a busy career, he was first a husband and father. His retirement years were active with family, friends, and travel. He discovered his passion for golf and could be found many afternoons with his golfing friends at the Walla Walla Country Club. His sense of humor and infectious laugh ever present.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Eva and Willard Gray, his brother, John Gray, and sisters Mary Snyder and Carol Gray.
A funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 10:00 am at Assumption Catholic Church, followed by military graveside honors at Mountain View Cemetery. Instead of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to Walla Walla Veterans Home through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.
His loving family is forever thankful. His memory is a blessing as he rests in peace with our Father in Heaven.
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