William Raymond “Bill” Gritton, 84, of Mexico, passed away on Nov. 14, 2021, at Boone Hospital Center, Columbia.
Bill was born on July 31, 1937, in Moberly, the son of Charles Raymond and Ruth Alberta (Shelledy) Gritton. He married Anna Ruth Yaeger on August 23, 1959, in Moberly at Central Christian Church.
Bill is a 1955 graduate of Moberly High School. He graduated in 1959 from the University of Missouri College of Engineering with a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering.
Bill started his career in 1959 in the Research Department of AP Green Refractories in Mexico. During his time in Research, he earned two patents. He then moved up to managing the company plant in Freeport, Texas and then in Pueblo, Colo. He ultimately became a district manager while in Pueblo. After leaving AP Green, he became plant manager for Vesuvius in Dillon, S.C. He finished his career as plant manager at National Refractories back where he started in Mexico, retiring in 2000.
Bill was the ultimate family man, enjoying spending time with his wife of 62 years, Ruth, his children, and his grandchildren. He was a devout follower of Christ, actively serving in every church he attended. He loved being in a social setting be it chatting with neighbors, his coffee buddies, or anyone within earshot. He relished being the (only) “Male Employee of the Month” several times at the veterinarian office where he worked in his retirement. He was not one to sit still, there was always a project to do.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth; three children, Randy (Denise) Gritton of Marysville, Wash., Cyndee (Randy) Lewis of Shawnee, Kan., and JuLee (Jeffrey) McCraney of St. Charles; three grandchildren, Anna Lewis, Abby Lewis, and William McCraney; and sister, Ana (Charles) Palmer of Lakewood, Colo..
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Christian Church of Mexico or to the charity of your choosing. They may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.
Arnold Funeral Home is serving the family.
Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com.
