SR0706 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0706 LRB104 21384 ECR 36339 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Rev. Dr. William G. "Bill" Grice III, who passed away on March 31, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Grice, the son of William G. Grice Jr. and Dorothy Grice, was born in Chicago on December 30, 1947; he graduated from Maine West High School; he received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Northern Illinois University, and he later earned his Master of Divinity and his Doctor of Ministry from Andover Newton Theological Seminary in Massachusetts; he became an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ (UCC) at Christ Church UCC in Des Plaines, Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Grice served congregations in Hyannis, Massachusetts and New Gloucester, Maine before becoming senior minister of First Congregational Church UCC of Des Plaines, Illinois, where he served for nearly three decades; he also supported the broader UCC community, which included his involvement with San Lucas UCC in Chicago's Humboldt Park, where he helped serve annual Thanksgiving meals; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Grice 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 was also known locally for his Epiphanies column in the Journal & Topics newspaper; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Grice held a lifelong passion for trains, including learning about their history and building model railroads; he loved playing the guitar and traveling, visiting Heavener, Oklahoma, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Anna Maria Island, Florida, and Tower Hill Camp in Sawyer, Michigan; he was also interested in history, family genealogy, and literature; most of all, he cherished spending time with his family; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Grice, affectionately known as "Boompa" by his family, was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend; he was a steady and compassionate presence in the lives of many, offering guidance, perspective, and support during times of both joy and grief; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Grice was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Susan William; and his granddaughter, Elizabeth Grice; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Grice is survived by his wife, Ann; his sons, Paul, William IV, Jonathan, and Christopher; daughters-in-law, Sandra, Shannon, Anna, and Ashley; 14 grandchildren; and a host of friends, colleagues, and community members; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Rev. Dr. William G. "Bill" Grice III and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Rev. Dr. Grice as an expression of our deepest sympathy.