William Edward Grayson

William Edward “Bill” Grayson, lovingly known to friends and family as “The Critter Gitter” or “The Great White Hunter,” passed away on the morning of March 5, 2025, after a courageous battle with dementia. Surrounded by his devoted family, he departed this life with love and peace.

Born on September 29, 1939, in Newton, Massachusetts, to Francis George Grayson and Ruth Myrtle Pickering, Bill grew up in Wellesley, Massachusetts, where he spent his childhood exploring the outdoors. He graduated from Gamaliel Bradford High School in Wellesley, Massachusetts, in 1957.

An avid outdoorsman, Bill found adventure at every turn, especially on the island at Morse’s Pond in Wellesley, where he enjoyed fishing, swimming, skating, and scouting with his brother Fran and best friend Tucker. His love of Louis L’Amour novels and the spirit of the West inspired him to travel to Oklahoma right after high school, where he worked as a ranch hand and learned all there is to know about horses and being a cowboy.

In 1959, Bill made the honorable decision to serve his country by joining the U.S. Air Force. He was trained and certified in meteorology and served with the Tactical Air Command during the Vietnam War from 1963 to 1964. He was stationed at multiple Air Force bases, from the island of Guam to Otis Air Force Base in Massachusetts. He retired honorably from the Air Force in 1979.

After his military service, Bill settled in Utah in 1973, residing in Centerville and later in West Kaysville. He worked for the Department of the Army at Dugway Proving Grounds as a meteorological technician for the next 25 years, completing his 45 years of service to the United States government.

His passion for wildlife and the outdoors inspired him to establish The Critter Gitter, a successful wildlife trapping business. Through his work, he shared his outdoorsman knowledge and skills with many, including his children and grandchildren, passing on his love for nature and adventure.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Linda, whom he married in 1981; his children: Tanya Grayson Bascom (Lynn), Christopher Newell, Kimberly Grayson Young (Steven), Thomas Newell (Angelina), Geoffrey Grayson (Janette), and Jennifer Newell Witcher (Peter); his siblings: Elizabeth Manning (Tom), Victoria Lee (Winn), Suzanne Lincoln (Peter), and Dean Jacobs; 18 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense joy and pride.

He was preceded in death by his sons, William E. Grayson II (BJ) and Greggory S. Grayson; his brother, Francis G. Grayson II; and his parents.

Bill will be fondly remembered for his storytelling, quick wit, and the way he could strike up a conversation with anyone. His adventurous spirit and words of wisdom will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Russon Mortuary, 1941 N Main St, Farmington, Utah 84025. Graveside services with military honors will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Centerville City Cemetery, 400 South 700 East, Centerville, Utah 84014.

The Celebration of Life will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on this obituary page, where the livestream video will appear 10-15 minutes prior to the start of the service at 10:00 a.m.