Kenneth William "Bill" Grimley

1942 - 2024

Kenneth "Bill" William Grimley

September 30, 1942 - July 9, 2024

Raleigh, North Carolina - Kenneth William ("Bill") Grimley, Jr., passed away peacefully on July 9th, 2024, surrounded by family. A loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, father-in-law, and friend, Bill's legacy is one of true devotion to his family and an amazing career as an air pollution engineer for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Born in Birmingham, AL, in 1942, Bill was the eldest child of Kenneth and Emmie Lou Grimley. He spent many happy days of his youth playing in the creek behind his house with his sister, often getting into all sorts of mischief. He graduated from Vanderbilt University with both a bachelor's and master's degree in Civil Engineering. In 1966, he joined the Environmental Health Division of the U.S. Public Health Service. He then became one of the first employees of the EPA as an air pollution engineer, helping set guidelines for air quality. His career as a civil servant spanned over 50 years; he won several awards for his work and dedication.

In 1981, he married Sarah ("Sally") Kenan Buchanan after meeting at a roller-skating party. They lived in Raleigh, NC for over 40 years together and had two children, Mary Beth (Prieur) and Julie (Young). He loved cheering for the Duke Blue Devils, where both of his girls attended college. He also loved being a "granddaddy" and sharing his passion for trains, math, and Sudoku with his three grandchildren, Claire, Will, and Ben. He never turned down an IPA and loved ice cream, always wanting the "right amount". He was a kind and quiet soul with a love of the outdoors and many friends across the country from different parts of his life.

Bill had many treasured collections, including rare license plates, coins, stamps, model trains, and steam engines. He purchased his prized engine, a 10 HP Schleicher-Schumm, in an old factory in 1970 and, with help, restored it - leading to an article highlighting his "find of a lifetime" in Steam Engine magazine. In 1989, he also started his own business, Carolina Water Gardens, sharing his love of water lilies, koi, frogs, and ponds with others.

Bill is survived by his wife, Sally; his children, Mary Beth (John Prieur) and Julie (Steve Young); his sister, Susan Grimley; his three grandchildren, Claire Prieur, William Prieur, and Benjamin Young; and one of his beloved dogs, Bailey. He is preceded in death by his parents Emmie Lou Grimley and Kenneth Grimley. We're so glad he was ours; he will "always be on our mind" and in our hearts.

A memorial will be held for him at University Presbyterian Church (209 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC) on Friday, July 19th at 10:30 a.m. Guests are invited to visit with the family following the service in the Fellowship Hall. Parking is available close to the church, in the Morehead Lot across the street, the Henderson St parking deck on the corner, and along Franklin and Henderson Streets.

Donations may be made to the Natural Resources Defense Council or the Nature Conservancy in honor of his life.