William Ray Grunden

William Ray Grunden Jr passed from this life in his sleep Sunday, July 21, 2024, in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he was born on January 9, 1965, to Billy Ray Grunden and Linda Anne Maxfield Grunden. He was followed by a brother, Byron Keith Grunden, and a sister, Susan Grunden Hill (David). His father, mother, and brother preceded him in death. He is survived by his daughter, Lexxi Valera Duff (Ray), his sister Susan (David), his ex-wife Heather McAllister, and his nieces and nephew (Nichole Harvey, Kelly Harvey, Markie Thrasher, and Jason Hubbard).

Bill graduated from William Chrisman High School in Independence, Mo, in 1983. He then enlisted in the Army and served 4 tours in the Army Corps of Engineers. 

When he got out, he moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where his mom, now Linda Anne Avery lived. He took jobs working on heavy equipment. His hobby was playing pool, so he also moonlighted at Farmer’s Daughter pool hall, where he loved to play, and where he met the love of his life, Heather McAllister. They were married in 1998 and spent many happy years together, staying close his entire life.

 In 1998 he took a job as a repair call handler at US West. He was diagnosed with MS a few short years later. He was later diagnosed with cancer, which eventually metastasized. He was always grateful for the benefits that came with his employment at US West. 

 Bill was thrilled to be united with his daughter, Lexxi, and was very proud of her. She brought him much joy in his later years.

He joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1998. He was never particularly religious, however, but he was the kindest, most Christian man you could ask for. Those who know him know what caliber of man he was. He will be greatly missed.