William A. "Bill" Grieves

William A. “Bill” Grieves passed away on November 30, 2021. Bill was born on February 20, 1926 in Coffeyville, Kansas, however his parents soon moved to Tulsa, OK where he grew up and went to school. A bright lad, he landed a U.S. Navy scholarship at the University of Oklahoma from the Department of Defense during WWII and graduated with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering in three years. The war ended about the time of graduation, but he decided to take his naval commission and see the world for a while. He returned to Tulsa in 1947 and joined an Exxon predecessor called Jersey Production Research.

There he met another Chemistry graduate, Margaret Barron, and they married in 1950. A son, Bill Jr., followed in 1952 and daughter Carolyn arrived in 1954. His career took a turn when he went to a six week course on Well Log Analysis. When he returned from the seminar, he became the “expert” and did training for various affilates outside the U.S. It was during this time, that Bill and Margaret spent a month in Bourdeaux, and between training classes toured this region of France. It began a life long affair with travel around the world, good cuisine and a love of France in particular.

His career continued with the Exxon Corporation where he was involved in well evaluations, technical advice, arbitrations while living in Houston, Los Angeles, Denver and then returning to Houston headquarters. He also became involved with SPWLA, was VP Publications of The Log Analyst, VP Technology, President, Board Member, and then spent many years as Treasurer, which included issuing scholarships. He receieved a Distinguished Service award in 1991 for his service, especially his work in establishing the SPWLA Foundation He retired from Exxon in 1986 and was then active as a consultant and expert witness.

He and Margaret continued the travels around the world, and when in Houston they were supporters of the Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet and Grand Opera. Returning from a trip, he was asked to step in to teach a graduate course in Well Evaluation at the University of Houston in 1987. This lasted for three years and then one day while on campus he stopped by KUHF, the classical radio station. He began doing volunteer work at the station, and in 1997 was named Volunteer of the Year.

Margaret passed away in 1993. One evening at the Symphony he ran into Dorothy McDonnell. They dated once at O.U. and Dorothy would say it took him 50 years to ask her out again. He and Dorothy married in 1999. They traveled together far and wide and both enjoyed and supported the performing arts in Houston. They moved to the Hallmark in 2015 where they found a compatible and friendly group of residents and staff. Dorothy passed away in 2017. Bill continued living at the Hallmark and was happy with his life there, continuing to travel while his health held out.

Bill is survived by son Bill, Jr. of Houston, TX, daughter Carolyn Conway and husband Ron of Marysville, WA., nephews Scot and Jim Grieves of St Joseph, MO, and cousin John Grieves, daughter Tessa and husband James of Kew, England.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions to the Houston Symphony Endowment, 615 Louisiana, Houston TX 77002, or to the charity of your choice will be appreciated.