04/01/2026
Rev. Dr. William G. Grice III, 78, passed away peacefully at his childhood home on March 31, 2026, surrounded by his family, after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer.
William “Bill” Grice was born on December 30, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois. He attended local schools and graduated from Maine West High School. Following his graduation, Bill attended Northern Illinois University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. He later pursued his calling to ministry at Andover Newton Theological Seminary in Newton Centre, Massachusetts, earning his Master of Divinity degree, and ultimately returning to complete his Doctor of Ministry degree.
An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, Bill devoted more than five decades to ministry and service. He served congregations in Hyannis, Massachusetts, and New Gloucester, Maine before becoming Senior Minister of First Congregational Church of Des Plaines, where he served for nearly three decades. He was ordained at Christ Church UCC in Des Plaines, where his lifelong ministry began, and later celebrated 50 years of ordained service, a milestone that reflected his enduring commitment to faith, community, and care for others.
Bill was a steady and compassionate presence in the lives of so many. He supported individuals and families through life’s most meaningful moments, officiating weddings, baptisms, and funerals, and offering guidance, perspective, and support during times of both joy and grief. He had a unique ability to meet people where they were, helping them feel seen, heard, and supported.
His ministry extended far beyond the walls of the church. Bill was deeply connected to the Des Plaines community and played an active role in many local organizations, including the Des Plaines History Center, the Lions and Elks Clubs, the Des Plaines Library Board, the Self-Help Closet & Pantry, the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce, and the Des Plaines Ministerial Association. He also supported the broader United Church of Christ community, including his involvement with San Lucas UCC in Humboldt Park, where he helped serve annual Thanksgiving meals.
Many in the community came to know Bill through his “Epiphanies” column in the Journal & Topics, where he shared personal stories rooted in local history, family memories, and everyday experiences. Through these reflections, he invited readers to pause, remember, and find meaning in the moments that shape our lives.
Bill had a lifelong passion for trains. His interest extended to their history, model railroading, and taking excursions whenever he could. He was especially thrilled to learn that his future father-in-law was a train engineer for the Kansas City Southern.
He also loved music and was a superb guitar player. He had a gift for bringing people together through his guitar and voice. Whether in worship, at community events, or around campfires, music was one of the many ways he created connection and joy. From youth fellowship groups in the 1970s to gatherings at Tower Hill Camp, his presence often included song, laughter, and a deep sense of belonging.
He had a special gift for working with young people, mentoring generations through youth ministries, camps, and community programs. Many have shared that his encouragement, guidance, and belief in them helped shape the course of their lives.
To his family, he was lovingly known as “Boompa,” a name that reflected the warmth, joy, and deep connection he shared with his grandchildren. He cherished time together, especially family gatherings filled with music, laughter, and adventure. He was intentional about creating opportunities for family trips, believing deeply in the importance of investing in shared experiences and lasting memories.
Bill loved to travel and made it a priority to stay connected with friends and family across the country. Some of his favorite places included Heavener, Oklahoma; Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Anna Maria Island, Florida; and Tower Hill Camp in Sawyer, Michigan, each holding special meaning and memories.
He also had a deep passion for history and family genealogy, taking great joy in uncovering stories, tracing connections, and preserving family legacy. In addition, Bill had a love for literature and a strong appreciation for proper grammar. He was often the family’s trusted editor, generously giving his time to read, revise, and help his children find just the right words throughout their school years and beyond.
Preceded in death by his parents, William G. Grice Jr. and Dorothy, his first wife, Susan William, and his granddaughter, Elizabeth Grice.
Above all, Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ann; his sons Paul, William IV, Jonathan, and Christopher; daughters-in-law Sandra, Shannon, Anna, and Ashley; and his cherished grandchildren: William V, Kaitlin, Abigail, Riley, Caleb, Tristan, Daniel, Joshua, Miles, Gracelyn, Gabriela, Danica, Danetta, and Dalton.
He also leaves behind a wide and loving circle of friends, colleagues, and community members whose lives were deeply touched by his kindness, humility, humor, and unwavering faith.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Christ Church UCC, 1492 Henry Ave., Des Plaines on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a service at 10:00 a.m., with a luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to organizations meaningful to Bill’s life and ministry, including Tower Hill UCC Camp, https://towerhill.campbraingiving.com/, Ronald McDonald House, https://rmhchicago.donorsupport.co/page/donate, Self-Help Closet & Pantry, https://www.selfhelppantry.org/support-the-pantry/donations, the Des Plaines History Center, https://www.desplaineshistory.org/joingive, and San Lucas UCC in Humboldt Park, ww.facebook.com/IglesiaSanLucasUCC / https://support.ucc.org/. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Center. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.
