In Memory: William Gray Pilat
With heavy hearts, the Pilat family would like to announce the passing of our husband/father/grandfather, Bill, on March 12, 2023. He leaves behind his wife, Lou, daughter, Debbie, son Bill, daughter in-law Beth, son in-law Matt, as well as four grandchildren: Lydia, Elliott, Ryan, and Andrew.
Bill grew up in Rye, New York, and graduated from Davis & Elkins college in West Virginia in 1961. He went on to Navy Officer Candidate School and served as a Lieutenant on the USS Coral Sea from 1962 to 1965.
Bill and Lou met in Elkins, WV, and were married in 1966. They moved to Indiana shortly thereafter when Bill became a salesperson for Brown Shoe Company. He and Lou later went on to own two retail stores in Bloomington. They have lived in the same home in Foxcliff since 1971.
Bill was an avid tennis player through most of his life. He was quite successful on the court, being inducted into the Davis & Elkins Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. He was well known in and around Martinsville for introducing the game to others and teaching many people how to play.
The family wishes to keep services private and will host a celebration of life at a later date. For those wishing to honor Bill’s memory, donations can be made to the Artesian Chess Fund, care of the Community Foundation of Morgan County, or to a charity of your choice.
Neal & Summers Funeral and Cremation Center has been entrusted with Bill’s final arrangements.
