Gruber, William James, 79, died at his Waterford home of 48 years on 10 June 2021, surrounded by his loving and grateful family. Bill is survived by Becky, his wife of 54 years, daughter Jennifer (Brian) Gilboe, son Steve (Laura) Gruber, and three awesome grandsons: Eric (Ashley) Cracchiolo, Brandon Gilboe & Christian Gilboe. Also surviving are his brother, David (Donna) Gruber and nephew Dave (Tracy) Gruber, nieces Lauren and Sara, as well as his uncle, Don Gruber and a multitude of loving cousins. A private viewing and celebration of his life was held at the family home and his final resting place will be at the New Garden Cemetery on the beautiful Garden Peninsula in Upper Michigan.Bill was born in Pontiac on 4 June 1942, the son of James & Geneva Gruber. He graduated from Pontiac Central in 1960 and attended Oakland University. He served in the Michigan National Guard from 1964 - 1970. He was always employed, from paper routes for the Oakland Press, unloading boxcars for Grand Trunk RR, construction at the Drayton Plains mobile home factory, running the presses at the Davison Index and finally General Motors where he hired in at Pontiac Engineering in 1966. He retired with 32 years of service in 1998 but was immediately hired back as a consultant through Entech where the "temporary" job with GM for lasted nearly 10 years. After retirement, Bill and wife traveled throughout the US and Canada in their motorhome and spent as much time as possible at their log cabin on the Garden Peninsula. It was his favorite place for family vacations and annual hunts for deer and turkey. He was part of the Gruber Brother's Drag Racing Team for 40-plus years, a member of the NRA, NMLRA, GOA and Life Member of the Oakland County Sportsman's Club. He was a 35-year member at OCSC Muzzleloader Club where he enjoyed the shooting competition and primitive encampments.Bill was a "fixer". A skilled mechanic, he was always working on a car, motorcycle or a bike for himself, family, friends or neighbors. If something needed wiring or welding, he was ready to help. Neighborhood kids knew where to go for flats or other repairs. He was a gunsmith and a blacksmith. He was also a builder. If you asked him to build something for you he would say "draw me a picture". He will be remembered for his smile, his sense of humor and willingness to help others.