MEMORIAL-REV. DR. W. G. GRICE

104th Regular Session Introduced by Laura Murphy

The Illinois Senate formally honors Rev. Dr. William G. Grice III for his decades of ministerial leadership and community service, offering condolences to his family.

Resolution Adopted

Summary of SR 706 (104th General Assembly, Illinois)

Purpose and Intent

SR 706 is a Senate Resolution to memorialize and mourn the death of Rev. Dr. William G. "Bill" Grice III, who passed away on March 31, 2026.

The resolution commemorates his life, work, and contributions to the church, community, and various local organizations.

Key Provisions and Content

A biographical tribute:

Birth: December 30, 1947, in Chicago.
Education: BS in Education from Northern Illinois University; Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Andover Newton Theological Seminary.
Clergy Role: Ordained minister in the United Church of Christ (UCC) at Christ Church UCC in Des Plaines, Illinois.

Professional and community service:

Served congregations in Hyannis, MA and New Gloucester, ME.
Senior minister of the First Congregational Church UCC of Des Plaines for nearly three decades.
Supported the broader UCC community, including involvement with San Lucas UCC in Chicago (assisting annual Thanksgiving meals).
Active in local organizations: Des Plaines History Center, Lions and Elks Clubs, Des Plaines Library Board, Self-Help Closet & Pantry, Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce, and the Des Plaines Ministerial Association.
Noted for Epiphanies column in the Journal & Topics.

Personal interests:

Passion for trains and model railroads, guitar playing, travel, history, genealogy, and literature.
Family-focused values; known as “Boompa” to his family.

Family and survivors:

Preceded in death by parents, first wife Susan William, and granddaughter Elizabeth Grice.
Survived by wife Ann; four sons (Paul, William IV, Jonathan, Christopher) and their spouses; fourteen grandchildren; and numerous friends and community members.

Expressions of sympathy:

The Senate offers condolences to his family and loved ones.
A suitable copy of the resolution will be presented to the Grice family as a formal expression of sympathy.

Who/What Would Be Affected

Primarily, the resolution affects:

Rev. Dr. William G. Grice III, his immediate family and extended network.
The Illinois Senate, which adopts the memorial tribute.
Local community organizations and congregations that honored him; the resolution may serve as a public record recognizing his contributions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Type: Non-controversial memorial resolution (honorary).

Sponsor: Co-sponsor listed as Laura Murphy.

No fiscal impact or legislative change: The resolution does not create laws or funding programs; it serves as an official statement of mourning and recognition.

Plain-Language Takeaway

SR 706 formally recognizes and honors Rev. Dr. William G. Grice III for his decades of ministerial leadership, community service, and philanthropic work within Des Plaines and the broader UCC community, offering condolences from the Illinois Senate and presenting a copy of the resolution to his family.