William "Bill" H. Heritage Jr.

William Holt Heritage Jr., age 81, of Grand Rapids passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born in Greensboro, NC, on August 30, 1944, the son of William Sr. and Madeleine (Keene) Heritage. He graduated from Wakefield High School of Arlington, Virginia, class of 1962.

Education, Service, and Early Years - Bill graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Duke University on June 6, 1966 and enjoyed his college years as a member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity.  He took pride in being a member of the Duke varsity basketball team, and as a lifelong Duke sports fan, he notoriously wore Duke attire from head to toe on game days. It was at Duke where Bill was introduced to a blonde nursing student who stole his heart and became the love of his life. Having signed up for the Army ROTC prior to graduation, Bill went on to complete his training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Ironically, Bill received his draft notice in Kentucky and promptly advised his First Sergeant that “the Army already has me.” Shortly after graduation, Bill married Susan “Susie” Kunz on September 3, 1966, and the newlyweds moved to Charlottesville, Virginia where they spent four special years starting their respective careers and expanding their family. Not only did Bill work several part-time jobs to provide for his family, but coupled with his employment at Anderson Bros law book section and teaching undergraduate government, he worked studiously to earn his Master of Arts Foreign Affairs on June 8, 1969. On June 7, 1970, Bill likewise received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia. Although holding great affinity for the University of Virginia, Bill remained a true diehard Duke fan his entire life. He often noted that his years studying in Thomas Jefferson’s "academic village" in Charlottesville seemed like just yesterday. 

An Illustrious Legal Career - Shortly after completing his academic studies, Bill moved with his young family to Michigan having accepted an offer from Warner Norcross and Judd, the largest firm in the state located outside of Detroit. Warner Norcross supported his active-duty Army ROTC commitment enabling him to complete his military service until he was honorably discharged. Bill’s wit and intellect were unparalleled, and he was frequently deemed the walking thesaurus with his love and knowledge of the English language. Upon his return to private legal practice, Bill gained invaluable first-chair experience, handled antitrust investigations, and drafted complex contractual documents relating to high asset mergers and acquisitions. Notably, Bill worked directly with then-Congressman Gerald Ford to draft legislative action protecting a major client's interests. Bill’s legal journey later led him to serve as General Counsel for Rapistan, a Grand Rapids-based international manufacturer. This role ignited his love for international travel and transnational legal practice. Over a career spanning more than 50 years in West Michigan, Bill also practiced corporate, business, tax, international, and immigration law with Mika Meyers PLC and Wheeler Upham P.C. In 2020 after a profound legal career, Bill opted for retirement and dedicated his time to making more cherished memories with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Community Service and Leadership - Throughout his life, Bill subscribed to the often-quoted biblical verse, “to whom much is given, much will be required.” Luke 12:48. He firmly believed that true inner satisfaction was found in serving others, especially those who could not afford legal representation. Over fifty years of legal practice, Bill’s time was occupied with endless hours of pro bono service. In every aspect of his life, his faith remained paramount, and he served on countless religious, educational, and charitable boards. In addition to serving as the Chairman of the Church Corporation of Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Bill also served as an ordained elder of the church, and trustee of the church’s foundation. He remained highly active in the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan, and local bar committees—frequently lecturing, judging the Jessup International Moot Court, and writing for the Michigan International Lawyer. In 2004, he co-authored the book Generating and Sustaining Non-Profit Earned Income, published by the Yale School of Management.

Family and Personal Legacy - A devoted family man, Bill and Susie shared a beautiful, enduring marriage and were blessed with three children (two sons and one daughter) and seven grandchildren. As a proud Father and Grandpa, Bill treasured being each child and grandchild’s biggest supporter. His immense pride was on full display as he coached his children’s sports and later sat in the stands at his grandchildren’s sporting events. As a fixture around the East Grand Rapids swimming pool throughout his children’s swim team years and thereafter, Bill wore dual hats running the timing equipment and cheering children to success.  His blending of love for the outdoors, water, and his family also led to owning not one but two “Blue Devil” boats. In 2004, Bill and Susie transitioned to lake life in a lakefront condominium in suburban Grand Rapids, and treasured memories were created over hours of fishing with his grandchildren, turtle watching, and taking a peaceful respite on the bench down by the water. Together, Bill and Susie shared a love of travel and had many adventures seeing the world traveling with family. Among other places, Bill and Susie traveled to Europe, gifted their clan of fifteen children and grandchildren with a memorable 50th-anniversary Disney cruise, and enjoyed a remarkable Viking River Cruise visiting Susie’s family in Switzerland. In short, Bill lived his life with immense gratitude, integrity, and humor. 

Family - Bill is preceded in death by: William Holt Heritage Sr. (Father), Madeleine Keene Heritage (Mother), and Anne Keene Heritage (Sister). He is survived by: Susan K. Heritage (Wife of 59 years), William Holt Heritage III (Son), Kathy (Daughter-in-law), and their children, Briley, Claire, and Abby; Heather Sneider (Daughter), Jeff (Son-in-law), and their children, Sam and Maggie; John F. Heritage (Son), Meghan (Daughter-in-law), and their children, Jack and Henry.

Visitation, Funeral Service and Memorial Donations - Friends may visit with Bill’s family on Monday, July 20, 2026 from 5-7 PM at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 4291 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. The service to celebrate his life will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 11:00 AM at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 47 Jefferson Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. In lieu of flowers, Bill requested that donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in his memory. (https://t2t.org)

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