William "Bill" Grier

William (Bill) Newton Grier peacefully passed away in his home on June 2, 2025. He was a genial, generous and gentle man who loved God and his family. Bill was a dedicated teacher and coach for over 40 years and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Bill was born on April 15, 1945 in Springfield, Missouri to A.S.(Bill) and Viola Grier. He graduated from Parkview High School in 1963 where he played football, basketball, baseball and ran track. He continued his education at the University of Arkansas, where he was a Sigma Nu, and Drury University for his Masters in Education. Bill believed in the power of education and started his teaching career in Strafford, Missouri in 1967 where he taught physical education and coached basketball, track and football. Later, Bill started teaching and coaching for Springfield Public Schools at Reed Middle School and Hillcrest High School leaving a lasting impact on his fellow teachers and students.
Bill was the go-to guy. He was always there to help, no matter the situation. He loved encouraging and supporting others through trials both small and large. He delighted in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren and was a mentor to many around him. Loyalty and dedication were two of his finest traits. Bill was a calm and peaceful soul, a man of great faith and a graceful example of a servant leader.
Bill is survived by his wife Ellen; his children Debbie, Richard (Katie) and James (Amber); step-children Marisa Dewey (Dennis), Abby (Adam) Sylvester, and David Hopkins; grandchildren Zeke, Lydia, and Phoebe Grier; David Grier; Soren Dewey (Natalee); Mala, Essence, Mili, Bella, Kalia, Tallula, Kiana, Makana, Izaia, Akira and Heavenly Sylvester; Ryan Dewey and Haily Pojar (Andrew); great-grandchildren Madi, Jackson and Lucas Pojar; Noble Dewey; sister Judy Thompson; and nieces Beth and Pam Nickle. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, A.S (Bill) and Viola Grier; his parents-in-law Dr. Kenneth and Lenore Knabb; and his step-son Nathaniel Hopkins.
A visitation will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025 at Central Christian Church in Springfield from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm followed by a memorial service at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Land of Opportunity Scholarship (for emergency student support) at the University of Arkansas or Central Christian Church.