His father was a geologist, frequently unemployed during the Great Depression so the family moved to Lawrence, Kansas, when Bill was in third grade.

[2] After graduating from the University of Kansas, Grigsby served three years in the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) during World War II as a cryptographer.

While at KU, Grigsby broadcast the first nationally-televised NCAA Final Four game as Kansas lost to North Carolina in triple overtime.

Other work included broadcast and management duties with the Kansas City Scouts of the NHL, local commercial voiceovers, and even a brief stint as a wrestling promoter.

Grigsby also contributed a weekly general sports column up to the time of his death for "The Parkville Luminary" newspaper.