William J. Grant,

William J. Grant, Jr. Athol – William J. Grant, Jr., 87, of Jordan Drive, died Friday, July 18, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving family.      Bill was born in Athol, MA, June 26, 1927, the son of William J. and Grace G. (Strang) Grant, Sr.  He grew up in Athol, graduating from Athol High School in 1945, while on active duty in the U.S. Navy.  He lived in Athol most of his life, also living in Ohio and NJ while working for the L.S. Starrett Company as a Sales Engineer, after beginning his career at the Union Twist Drill.        Bill was a veteran of WWII (Pacific Theater 1945-1946) and the Korean Conflict (1952) serving on the NTC Sampson, the USS Luzon, the USS Beaver, and the CSD 31 Boat Pool. He worked for the L.S. Starrett Company for 35 years, retiring in 1989.   Bill was a past president (1979-1980) and a member of the Ellinwood Country Club, served as a selectman for the town of Athol (1954-1955), was a member of the North Quabbin Lodge of Masons A.F. & A.M., was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing cards.  But the greatest joys in Bill and his wife Dot's life were family, home, friends, and laughter.  He could usually be found at the grill, with his “two fingers” and with a remarkable memory, recounting years of stories.     “Pa” was a wonderful grandfather and great-grandfather, always with a smile and a hug and sometimes a song or a lesson on your golf swing .  For over 25 years they also enjoyed spending winters in Winter Springs, FL, where Bill loved working as a ranger at the Tuscawilla Country Club.        Bill leaves his wife, and love of his life, of 66 years, Dorothy (Wetmore) Grant; three sons, Wm. Marshall Grant and his wife Judy of Athol, David L. Grant and his wife Tori of Franklin, TN, and Robert Grant and his wife Penny of Warwick; his grandchildren Derek Grant and his fiancée Jessica Murphy, Erin Johnson, Billy Grant, and Kaija Grant: his great-grandchildren David Johnson, Oliver Johnson, Joseph Grant, and Daniel Grant all of Athol. Bill also leaves his close friend and neighbor Fred Ryder. and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son Jeffrey in 2005, a brother John “Hutch” Grant and two sisters, Doris Robichaud and Olive Long. His wife's parents, Leslie and Hazel  Wetmore, who also predeceased him, were very fond of Bill.       A private graveside service will be held at Silver Lake Cemetery at the convenience of the family.   Bill preferred that you not acknowledge his passing with flowers or a gift, but only a fond memory. However, knowing that some would like to acknowledge his passing and honor his memory, the family would request that donations be sent to the GVNA Hospice, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA 01440      Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol is directing arrangements.  For further information or to share a memory with the family go to:  www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com. $(document).ready(function(){ });