Billy Joe "Bill" Trimble Jr.

1952 - 2025

Billy Joe "Bill" Trimble Jr.
April 18, 1952 - June 9, 2025
Billy Joe "Bill" Trimble, Jr., 73, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025, in Mesa, Arizona, with his loving wife, Hollie, and their cherished cats by his side. After a brief but courageous battle with cancer, Bill was called to his eternal home. He was a beloved husband, son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend to many.
Bill was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was defined by love, humor, and compassion. While his passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved him, we ask that he be remembered not for how his journey ended, but for how richly and generously he lived-and for the profound impact he had on so many.
Bill was born on April 18, 1952, in Perryton, Texas, to Billy Joe Trimble, Sr. and Margie Ann (Baker) Trimble. The oldest of five brothers, he spent his early years in various Texas towns before the family settled in Flagstaff, Arizona. There, Bill attended Flagstaff High School and earned a football scholarship to Eastern Arizona College, where he played two seasons before returning home.
In 1971, Bill began what would become a distinguished career for over 20 years with the Flagstaff Police Department. He started as a dispatcher and later served as a patrolman, Corporal, and Detective-proudly wearing badge #502. Among his many contributions, he received a lifesaving award for rescuing two boys who had fallen through ice at a local pond and was deeply involved in the Jennifer Wilson case, pursuing justice with compassion and diligence. After retiring in 1996, he continued serving the Flagstaff community through a decade of work in Code Enforcement with the City of Flagstaff.
Bill met the love of his life, Hollie, in March 1975. They married on July 17, 1976, and raised two sons together in Flagstaff. Although he called Flagstaff home for more than 40 years, Bill embraced a new chapter in the Valley, where he worked as an Investigator for the Maricopa County Public Defender's Office until his retirement in 2016. He and Hollie then settled in Buckeye, Arizona, where he spent his later years surrounded by family and friends-especially his two granddaughters.
A passionate animal lover, Bill and Hollie were active volunteers with an animal rescue organization in Buckeye, fostering numerous cats and dogs until they were reunited with owners or adopted into loving homes. They spent many hours searching the desert for lost pets and bringing them to safety.
Bill was a man of many talents and hobbies. He enjoyed collecting sports cards with his sons, fishing, gold panning, rock collecting, painting, quilting for his grandchildren and charitable causes, woodcarving, playing guitar and dulcimer, reloading ammunition, shooting competitions, gardening, and cooking. His gumbo and peanut butter cookies became family legends.
Bill will be remembered for his deep kindness, infectious humor, and ability to brighten every room he entered. He had a rare gift for making others feel seen, heard, and loved-and he never missed a chance to make someone smile.
He treasured his blended family and is survived by his beloved wife, Hollie; sons Scott (Kelsy) and David (Stephanie); grandchildren Lauren (Scott), Kaitlyn (Sean), Ashley (Kaleb), Kali, Aiden, Sara, Hunter, and Gunner; great-grandchildren Griffyn, Willow, and Garrison; brothers Robert (Diana, deceased), Harold (Angela), and Frankie (Kimm); mother-in-law Sue Thomas; former daughters-in-law Sascha and Emily; and a cherished friend, "Mama" Edwina Johnson. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who adored him.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Billy Joe Sr. and Margie Trimble, and his brother, James "Bimbo" Trimble.
A Celebration of Life will be held in honor of Bill on Sunday, August 10, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 2101 N. San Francisco St., Flagstaff, AZ.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Friendship Village Tempe, Hospice of the Valley, Gentle Care Home Assistance, and Heritage Funeral Chapels for their compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's memory to:
- You Rescued Me Animal Sanctuary.
- PayPal: @Yourescuedme.
- Venmo: @Yourescuedme.
- CashApp:
$Yourescuedme.
- Zelle: 602-228-0610.
or.
- 100 Club of Arizona at 100club.org.
Though Bill's physical presence is no longer with us, his spirit remains deeply rooted in the lives he touched. May his memory be a blessing, and may we continue his legacy of love, generosity, and unwavering kindness.