Obituary of William F. Grier, Jr.

Mendham - William Franklin Grier, Jr. died on Monday October 19, 2009 at Holly Manor Nursing Home after a long illness. He was 91. Born in Alberta Canada (Prince Edward Island) on July 29, 1918, he lived in New York and Schooley's Mountain before settling in Mendham 67 years ago. He was a long-time member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church of Gladstone. Mr. Grier was a veteran of World War II, serving in Sai Pan in the US Army Air Corps from 1943 until 1945. He was a 57-year member of the Ralston Engine Company #1 of the Mendham Township Fire Department, and served as Chief in 1956 and 1957. Mr. Grier was the superintendent of grounds and facilities for the Convent of St. John the Baptist in Mendham for over 50 years until his retirement. Previously, he was employed by the former Gunther Motors of Mendham. He is survived by his wife Shirley V. (Van Auken) to whom he was married for 66 years; three sons, William of Mendham, Jack of Randolph, and James of Massachusettes; his sister Laura Arlington of California, ten grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. Arrangements are by the Bailey Funeral Home, 8 Hilltop Road, Mendham, NJ 07945 www.baileyfuneralhomes.com (973) 543-4720. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday, October 23, 2009 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Fire Department services will be at 7:30 PM, and Masonic Funeral Services will be at 8:00 PM both on Friday. A funeral service will be celebrated at St. Luke's Episcopal Church on Main Street in Gladstone on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 10:00 AM with the Reverend Kent Walley officiating. A private cremation will follow.