Bill was born December 16, 1951, in Greenville to Lois (Dufur) Grice of Greenville and the late William E. Grice II. In addition to his father, Bill was also preceded in death by a brother, Ray W. Grice; sister, Rebecca “Becky” Dyer; and a niece, Billie Jo Kress.
Bill is survived by his wife, Sharon (Holsopple) Grice whom he married July 18, 1995; daughters & son-in-law, Tracy J. Miniard of Greenville and Tammy M. & Steve Minard of Albany, Indiana; step-daughter, Jodi L. Byers of Greenville; grandchildren, William C. Miniard, Aaron R. Miniard, Nathan E. Miniard, Brock P. Minard, Erika J. Minard, Kyli L. (Hazen) Ripple, Cody D. Gunckel, J. Austin Baumgardner, Alyssa K. Baumgardner and Braylon E. Byers; great-grandchildren, Alexa M. Miniard, Bella L. Ripple and Grayson M. Ripple; brother & sister-in-law, Ed & Susan Grice of Bradford; sister, Diana C. Louk of Greenville; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. Bill retired with over 25 years of service from the Darke County Sheriff’s Office where he was Chief Deputy. He was a member of the Greenville American Legion and the NRA.
Bill was basically a homebody, thoroughly enjoying his time in his shop woodworking or mowing his lawn. He so missed his dog Sadie and “hunting” rabbits with her. Bill was a gentleman and a gentle man, ever thoughtful of his wife and family. He was also quite a lucky man, being so thankful for his family, his friends, his home-boy Bob Reed, and his wins while gambling. Bill worked his way through the ranks at the Sheriff’s Office, becoming Chief Deputy through his hard work and dedication. He selflessly was always there for the office and the community whenever called, even at the disruption of family life. His pranks, his laughter, shaking his head at Sharon’s comments, and yes, even his snorting (or lack thereof) will forever be remembered.
Bill loved his country and showed that by serving in the Army. His biggest idol was John Wayne, one of America’s greatest patriots. At one time, there were few rooms in Bill and Sharon’s home that you could go into without seeing John Wayne (either a photo, figurine, or coffee mug). The best retirement gift that Bill received was from his fellow employees of a John Wayne replica rifle.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, July 5, 2018, at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home in Greenville. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. Condolences for the family may be expressed through www.zecharbailey.com
