William Grant II

William “Bill” Wesley Grant II, a man whose laughter could fill a room and whose friendship knew no bounds, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2025, at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, Texas. He was 71.

Born on January 21, 1954, in Kansas City, Kansas (Wyandotte County), Bill was the son of the late Ethyleene Grant and William Wesley Grant Sr. From a young age, he carried with him a resilient spirit, a love for people, and a sharp wit that became his hallmark throughout life.

A proud graduate of Southeast High School, Bill began his working life as an airline baggage handler in Kansas City and Chicago, where he had plans to attend air traffic controller school. His life changed when he married his high school sweetheart, Emily West. Shortly after, Bill joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Homestead, Florida, where the couple welcomed their son, Ta-Mar Jamil Grant.

After his military service, Bill and his family returned to Kansas City in the early 1980s, where he began a long and successful career with IBM as a field service account manager. He later relocated to Houston and then to Dallas in 1984, where he would remain for the rest of his life. Bill brought to his career the same humor, patience, and warmth he gave to his friendships—always ready with a perfectly timed joke or a helping hand.

Bill’s heart belonged to sports—especially his beloved Kansas City Chiefs. It didn’t matter if they were having a winning season or not—Bill remained a diehard fan. Whether it was football, basketball, baseball, or golf, sports brought him joy and connection with those around him. He loved good food, good conversation, and staying connected with those he cared about most.

After retiring from IBM, Bill enjoyed a peaceful life in Dallas, regularly visiting family in Kansas City and Los Angeles.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Ethyleene and William Sr.; his beloved sisters, Barbara Jean Smith and Marion Louise Thornton; and his cherished son, Ta-Mar Jamil Grant—whose memory remained close to his heart every single day.

He is survived by his brother, Michael Lloyd Grant-Martin, and a host of family members and friends who will miss his big laugh, his easy charm, and his steadfast loyalty.

Bill was a man who lived with grace, humor, and generosity. He was a son, brother, husband, father, and friend—and to those who knew him, he was simply unforgettable.