Bill Grassie

He was an original cowboy. He passed away peacefully this past Tuesday at his home in Lake Arthur, N.M. surrounded by family and friends. He was 85. Red had an unfailing dry sence of humor and many pool games to be played.

A bronc rider, roper and rancher...he knew the meaning of hard work and honor and embodied these values while serving in the United States Army in Germany and while raising his sons on the range in New Mexico and Colorado.

Red met his lifelong partner Joan and they married in 1951. Their happiest times were spent out on the ranches they raised their three boys on. Their marriage stood the test of time: 62 years.

He is survived by his wife Phyllis Joan Grassie and three sons: William Franklin Grassie, Jr., George Lee Grassie, and Jeffrey Layne Grassie. As well as by his 12 grandchildren and 19 greatgrandchildren. Surviving siblings are Jim Grassie, Anna Lou Wagner, and Earl Grassie. He is preceded in death by his father George Lee Grassie, stepmother Lizzie Bell Grassie, and mother Opal Baker Grassie. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his son Joseph Alan Grassie and brothers Walter Grassie and George Grassie.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 1, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at the Westside Church of Christ in Artesia.

The memorial service will be led by Phillip Grassie and Mark Littlejohn.

Thank you to all family and friends for their support and prayers.