William Grimes "Bill" Mordecai Jr.

William Grimes Mordecai Jr, passed away peacefully on January 29th at the age of 95. He was born to William G Mordecai Sr. and Georgia Davis Mordecai in the Oakwood neighborhood of Raleigh NC and continued living in Raleigh for most of his life. For the last 7 years Bill resided in assisted living in Durham, NC.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Bill was predeceased by his loving wife Peggy Jean Cameron Mordecai to whom he was married for nearly 70 years. In addition to his wife and parents, he was also predeceased by his sisters Elizabeth Davis Mordecai and Louisa Mordecai Odom.

Bill leaves behind his daughter, Beth (Howard) Eisenson; his son, William “Bill” (Heather) Mordecai III; grandchildren, Michael Mordecai, Vince (Amal) Eisenson, Heather Eisenson (Colin) Campbell; along with four great-grandchildren.

He graduated Hugh Morson High School in Raleigh before joining the Army in 1951. He served as a sergeant stationed at Fort Huachuca, AZ and SCARWAF at Maxwell Field, AL, during the Korean War years. Afterwards, Bill studied business at NC State and UNC Chapel Hill. He spent most of his career as a claims adjuster and supervisor at USF&G Insurance Company and in later years at Custard Insurance Agency in Raleigh. Bill was a lifelong member of Raleigh’s Christ Episcopal Church, and active member of Raleigh Racquet Club, Blue Goose (fraternal insurance organization), the “Ole Raleigh Boys”, and various historical organizations.

Bill was renowned for his quick wit and jovial personality and was always up for sharing a good joke or story. Well loved by both his immediate and extended family, he will surely be missed by all. The family especially wishes to thank the many caregivers who assisted him in the last years of his life.

Bill was laid to rest on March 8th in a private ceremony at Raleigh’s Oakwood Cemetery. A memorial service was held at 2:00 pm at Christ Episcopal Church, 120 E Edenton St, Raleigh NC 27601. A reception followed in the church commons.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Christ Episcopal Church, www.ccral.org.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, is serving the family.