William "Bill" Harold Grable, Jr.
July 22, 1920 — June 27, 2015
William “Bill” Harold Grable, Jr.
A Natural Athlete -
William “Bill” Harold Grable, Jr., age 94, of Mechanicsburg, died on Saturday, June 27, 2015. Bill was born on Thursday, July 22, 1920 in Greensburg to the late William Harold Grable, Sr. and Georgia Margaret “Mamie” (Stitt) Grable. In addition to his parents, Bill is preceded in death by his sister, Betty Bragg.
Bill’s survivors include his wife of 68 years, Josephine “Jo” (Bonebrake) Grable; his sons: W. Darryl Grable and his wife, Anne, of Mechanicsburg, Lindsay P. Grable and his wife, Karen, of New Cumberland, and Thomas W. Grable and his partner, Sandra, of Havre de Grace, MD; his five grandchildren: Jason, Jennifer, Jonathon, Nick, and Sheri; and his three great-grandchildren: Abigail, Josephine, and Wyatt.
Bill was a proud graduate of West Nottingham Academy as part of the class of 1939 and attended University of Maryland until he joined the United States Army Air Corps . He retired from Naval Ships Parts Control Center in Mechanicsburg in 1975, after many years of service working as a nuclear equipment specialist. Bill was a longtime member of Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church ; serving as a former elder, deacon, trustee, and an institutional representative for the Boy Scouts Troop 80 , and participating with the Happy Hikers and PEP Set. He also volunteered with Mechanicsburg Area Meals on Wheels . Bill was an outdoors person who shared his love for sailing with fellow Susquehanna Yacht Club members. As a natural athlete, Bill loved to participate in any sport and outdoor activity, and he did his best to stay active by following the Royal Canadian Air Force Aerobics Program. He was an avid tennis player and runner well into his 80s and went skydiving to celebrate his 80 th birthday. With his great sense of humor and a twinkle in his eyes when he told a joke, Bill was an inspiration to his sons. He was extremely proud of his three sons and would always say, “We have three fine sons.” Everyone liked Bill the moment they met him; he leaves behind many friends.
All are welcome to join Bill’s family at his gathering of family and friends on Thursday, July 2, 2015, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m., and his funeral service beginning at 12:00 p.m. at Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church , 300 East Simpson Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Reverend Myrtle E. McCall officiating. Bill’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at his church immediately following the service. Burial will follow in Rolling Green Cemetery in Camp Hill, where military honors will be presented by the Cumberland County Honor Guard . Honored to be pallbearers are: Jason Grable, Jon Grable, Nick Grable, Joe Ferguson, Lindsay Grable, and Tom Grable.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church , 300 East Simpson Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, www.mechpresby.org or Mechanicsburg Area Meals on Wheels , Box 1093, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, www.mowaa.org.
Bill’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Bill’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at www.Myers-Buhrig.com .