William Royce

ROYCE - William "Bill" Royce, age 77, passed away on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 after a really wonderful life. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Noreen Royce; brother, James Royce; sisters-in-law, Barbara Readwin and Dee Royce. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Dorothy; his four sons, Bill (Annette), Tim (Teresa), Jerry (Lisa), Tom (Cyndi); eight grandchildren, Kevin, Brian, Allie, Sydney, Jake, Emma, Connor, Jocelyn; two brothers, Terry (Carol) and Bob; sister-in-law, Sally Royce; brothers and sisters-in-law, Sister Patrice Konwinski O.P., Jim (Carol) Konwinski, Jim Readwin, Ted (Carol) Konwinski, Marge Konwinski, Ben (Colleen) Konwinski, John (Denise) Konwinski. Born in Grand Rapids, Bill spent his high school years plus one studying with the Franciscans in Mt. St. Francis Seminary in Indiana. Upon his return to Grand Rapids, he met Dorothy (Konwinski), and they were married in 1963. Bill spent nearly all of his work career in the Bell System Yellow Pages serving in various management and non-management positions throughout the state and country. He returned to Grand Rapids and retired in 1991. Bill earned the Yellow Pages Hall of Fame ring and was a seven- time winner of the President's Club. He was a firm believer in the adage, "Attitude determines Altitude" and tried to live it. Bill loved being outdoors, enjoying fishing, golf, skeet and trap shooting and more. He was a proud member of Madison Square Sportsman Club. He also enjoyed a cold beer, a good game of cribbage, and lasting friendships. The mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM, Monday, July 16, 2018 at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1120 4 Mile Road NE, Grand Rapids. The family will welcome relatives and friends 4:00 to 7:00 PM Sunday at Stegenga Funeral Chapel - Belmont, 1601 Post Drive NE, and one hour prior to mass at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Hospice. To share a photo, memory and sign the family's online guestbook please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of William "Bill" Royce please visit our Sympathy Store.