William Granger Youatt Jr. East Lansing, MI, William Granger Youatt Jr. died October 10, 2006. Born in 1947, his family moved to East Lansing when he was a child, and he grew up in the "barracks" on the Michigan State University campus where his father was pursuing a degree. Bill would later earn a B.A. in English (1969) and M.A. in History (1971) from MSU. Except for his years in Law School, (Florida State University, 1975), he spent his life in the East Lansing-Haslett area. He married June Pierce in 1977, and opened a private family law practice in Haslett where they raised their three children, Allison June, Emily Jean, and Andrew Pierce. Bill attended elementary through high school in Haslett, and wanted his children to experience the sense of belonging he and his brothers had known in Haslett. As a high school student, he was an avid athlete, winning varsity letters in basketball, football, and baseball. He remained deeply rooted in his community and committed to its schools all of his life. Bill had a strong commitment to service; and over the years served as a volunteer for the Haslett Public Schools and the HYRA program, as a member of Meridian Township government, and as a dedicated nursery worker at University Baptist Church. He understood his law practice as another venue for service, and helped generations of Haslett families over the past three decades. His greatest joys were family and friends. Bill is survived by his wife of 29 years, June Pierce Youatt, and their three children; his three brothers Robert (Suzi) Grafton, VT, Daniel (Rachelle) Peoria, AZ, and Thomas (Kay) Harbor Beach, Michigan; six nieces and nephews, a grandnephew, and a paternal uncle and family, Ned and Ellyn Youatt of Romeo, Michigan. He was preceded in death in 2005 by his father, William Granger Youatt, Sr. and earlier in 2006 by his mother, Frances Jean Youatt. He cared deeply for his mother and father-in-law, Leta and Clyde Pierce. His friends were a significant part of his life, and he was surrounded by many he had known and loved since high school and college. A memorial service is planned for Monday, October 16 at the MSU Alumni Chapel at 4:30 p.m. The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. at University Baptist Church, 4608 S. Hagadorn Rd., East Lansing. Those wishing to honor his memory may do so through a donation to the William G. Youatt Endowed Undergraduate Student Scholarship fund at Michigan State University, 300 Spartan Way, East Lansing, Michigan 48823. The Family is being served by the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing.Published in the Lansing State Journal - October 13, 2006