William Howard Grisham

Bill Grisham, husband of his bride of 52 years, father and provider of seven children, loved life. He made friends easily - no matter where in the world he was. He was a proud West Point officer that never left his post. He believed God came first, then family, then country, and everything else after that.
Bill died from complications after a heart valve replacement at the age of 89. He fought hard, not only to live, but live vibrantly. He loved sailing, biking, and skiing as a young man and even often into his late years. He dreamed of the day he could get back on his bike and go for a ride.
Born in Elizabeth City, Virginia, he was a mischievous child, and had lots of stories about his adventures. Please read his memoirs and view his family photos at http://grisham.weebly.com/billy-grisham.html
Bill was near genius. He tested out over 400 other students at Stanford University for the single assignment to West Point just as WWII broke out. After graduating from West Point, Class of 1946, he served 8 years in the Army. Then Bill's love of aerospace led him elsewhere. His advanced understanding of math and physics culminated in three aerospace inventions of which he obtained patents. He set his life's goal to promote his three inventions http://billgrisham.us/. Bill received his Master's Degree from ITT Technical Institute in Orlando, and he never stopped learning. An avid reader of westerns, there isn't a Louie L'Amour book written that he hadn't read twice.
Bill is survived by his seven children, Cheryl Firth of Waveland, MS; Christine Poolson of Pass Christian, MS; Mary Kimball of Arvada, CO; Paul Grisham of Jacksonville, FL; Peter Grisham of Kiln, MS; Gregory Grisham of Zafra, Spain; and Stephen Grisham of Denver, CO; along with 15 Grandchildren and 18 Great Grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Velma Grisham; His mother, Elsie Grisham; his father, James Lionel Grisham, Sr.; and his brother, James Lionel Grisham, Jr.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 19, 2013, at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Kiln Delisle Road, at 11:30 a.m. Visitation will be held one hour prior at the church.
Burial will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery with honors provided by the U.S. Army.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 9113 Kiln Delisle Road is in charge of arrangements, and tributes may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com.