Prominent and longtime Flagstaff resident and businessman William Earle Hargrave passed away on July 10, 2017. William was born in Surry County, Virginia on March 5, 1942 to Earl W. and Mattie (Morris) Hargrave, who both are deceased. He has three siblings. The Hargrave family can trace their roots to Richard Hargrave IV, who emigrated from Wakefield Parish, Yorkshire, England on the Bonaventure sailing ship arriving to America at Norfolk County, Virginia in 1634.

He served three years in the U.S. Navy and upon his honorable discharge he came west to receive his Bachelor and Master degrees in art history from Northern Arizona University. He purchased Floral Arts in Flagstaff in 1970 and continuously till his death provided masterly designed and arranged floral art for many friends, clients, and businesses in Northern Arizona. Not only did William have a talent designing floral arrangements, he also had a very green thumb. He created magnificently wild and meditative flower gardens at each of his residences. Neighbors would often stop by just to look at the beautiful mix of flowers and recognize the natural beauty of the colors and varieties.

In the early years of owning Floral Arts, William also initiated his collecting of rare and fine antiques for his residences and to sell at his shop. Buying trips took William to Europe, China, the Baltic countries, Morocco, Syria, Egypt and he was especially enchanted by Turkey where he purchased many fine rugs.

William served on the board of the Flagstaff Symphony and was generous to the Flagstaff Humane Society, Fraternal Order of Police, and many other non-profit organizations in Flagstaff. William is survived by his life partner Vicky T. Vasquez. To honor William, Vicky will continue the tradition of beautiful floral designs at Floral Arts. William will be greatly missed by Vicky, and his many, many friends.

A memorial service and reception will be held at Norvel Owens Mortuary, 914 E. Route 66 in Flagstaff on Thursday, July 27th at 5:00 PM.