William Jesse Flory, born on October 21, 1928, was reunited with his beloved wife, Patricia Arlene Flaherty Flory, on March 6, 2025. The reunion was also sweet with his son, Bruce, who passed away as a baby.

Bill married Pat on January 7, 1951, in the Methodist Church in Grandview, Washington. They were later baptized as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on November 1, 1957, and were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple for time and all eternity on March 20, 1959.

His love for his country was strong. He served in the Navy Air Reserve from 1952 to 1954, during which time his first child, Connie, was born. They later had Brent, Cindy, and Bruce, and also became loving parents to Deanna Price, who lived with them for about 3 ½ years.

Bill loved family, past and present. He and Pat worked nearly their whole lives to find out who their ancestors were and that all were accounted for. They loved their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren deeply; birthday songs over the phone and birthday cards appeared every year for each family member.

He also loved animals. Throughout his life he raised pigeons, finches, rabbits, dogs, chickens, and even flying squirrels.

Bill worked in Hanford Products Operations for nearly 20 years as a Radiation Monitor, Engineering Technician, and Journeyman. He later worked in a mortuary and also became partners with friend, LaVell McIntire, in owning a hardware store in Parker, Arizona.

He was involved in his community and served on the Grandview City Council for 16 years. The most fun he had during his years of service was the Soap Box Derby Mayor’s challenge in which he represented the mayor in the race and won all but two races he competed in.

Bill served in many bishoprics in the Latter-Day Saint wards he attended, and he and Pat also worked in the Seattle Washington and Columbia River Temples for many years.

Bill is survived by his children: Connie (Bob) Widmann, Brent (Penny) Flory, Cindy (Willie) Lenz, and Deanna (Brian) Gormley, their 16 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren.