William E. MOTLEY

12/09/1934 - 11/15/2012

MOTLEY, William E. "Bill" (Age 77) A Pullman, WA resident, passed away on Thursday, November 15, 2012 at his Pullman home. Bill was born December 9, 1934 in Pullman to Walter and Hazel (Baldwin) Motley. Bill's father died at an early age. That void was filled by his uncle, Harold Boyd, out on the Staley ranch. Through farming, Harold taught Bill the value of hard work and integrity; virtues Bill passed on to others throughout his life. He married Marguerit J. (Peg) Hayden in Spokane, WA on November 25, 1959. Bill's two passions in life were his family and working hard to provide for those he loved. A genuine entrepreneur, Bill was always eager to start a new adventure. Upon returning to Spokane the honeymoon couple had less than twenty-seven dollars between the two of them. It was at this time that Bill set a personal goal, to one day make over $1,000 a month. Being the determined man that he was, his goal became reality. Over the course of their fifty-three years of marriage Bill and Peg owned and operated several different businesses. Their first success was the manufacturing and peddling of their homemade Country Style Horseradish, which they processed in their basement. Bill would often head out in a snow storm, to Montana, to peddle their horseradish, Johnny J's Potato Chips, and Light House Dressing. Wanting to be closer to family, Bill moved his "Motley Crew" to Pullman in 1968 where he worked for Palouse Producers and then Valley Cement. It was in the summer of 1977 that Bill and younger brother, Jerry, decided to start their own construction business. It was at that time that Motley Motley Inc. was established, with just two worn out pickups, a rented excavator and trailer, a work crew made up of family members, and good friend, Tom Schneider. In the winter of 1985 Bill welcomed his first grandchild, sparking a new goal. Grandpa Bill "Gramps" was seldom seen without several of his grandchildren in tow. The grandkids always looked forward to Grandpa's mini adventures, whether it was building bunk houses, family fishing trips, road trips or a night at Pullman's Holiday Inn Express. Eager to pass on the values of hard work to his grandchildren, it was not unusual for Bill to wrangle up his grandchildren on a project only to fire and then rehire them within the day. They quickly learned Grandpa's bark was always worse than his bite. Bill was notorious for being a gadget man and jokester, never passing up an auction or an opportunity to experience a new novelty. These traits are truly missed by those he leaves behind: Peg, his wife of 53 years; his four children and their spouses, Kay and Kenny Ailor, Bill Jr. and Kathy Motley, Kim Motley, and Jeff and Christie Motley; his brother and his wife Jerry and Tammi Motley; six grandchildren, Jen, Kayla, Michael, Aaron, Daniel, and Stephanie; and one great-grandchild, Brayden. Bill has joined his parents and older brother Al Motley and wife Shirley in heaven. The funeral service will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at the Motley & Motley Shop on the Moscow-Pullman highway. Viewing will precede the service. Vault interment will follow at the Pullman Cemetery. Bill will be buried in his work boots, blue jeans and work shirt. Guests are encouraged to honor his life in the same attire. Memorial donations are suggested to a favorite charity. KIMBALL FUNERAL HOME is caring for the family. Online condolences may be sent to www.kimballfh.com.