William Lewis Breckinridge VI
March 15, 1947 ~ October 29, 2022
William Lewis Breckinridge VI, 75, of Jensen Beach, Florida, passed away on October 29, 2022 in the hospital due to complications following major cancer surgery in July.
Bill was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin to William L. Breckinridge V and Carolyn Wells. He was the oldest of three children. Throughout his childhood, he excelled in academics and athletics and was a star football, basketball, and baseball player at Webster Groves High School in St. Louis, Missouri. He also had a keen interest in politics and debate. He was a 1969 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and went on to serve on active duty as an officer aboard two Navy ships based in San Diego, California before transitioning to civilian life. He was also married for 10 years and had two children. During this time, he entered the U.S. Navy Reserve and completed a cumulative total of 20 years of military service. He also dedicated a 30-year career with the San Diego Gas & Electric Company and had another daughter during this time, before retiring and relocating to Florida in 2012.
Throughout his life, he was a warm, friendly, and fun-loving man. Children (and some adults) in the family knew him as “Uncle Silly Billy”. He had a funny sense of humor that was often displayed in his frequent use of funny cliches and sayings as well as corny advertising slogans from his favorite establishments. He also had a passion for sports, especially the Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Badgers, and enjoyed playing golf for many years. In addition, he loved music (especially blues) and amassed a sizable vinyl collection over the years. He was also active in San Diego community organizations such as Kiwanis, the Navy League, and the Naval Academy Parents’ Club.
Bill is survived by his children, William L. Breckinridge VII, Kristen Cato, and Zshanel Breckinridge; his brother, Dana Breckinridge; his sister, Betsy Breckinridge; and six grandchildren, Chase, William VIII, Luke, John, Noah, and Summer. He is greatly missed and will always hold a place in our hearts.
Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Breckinridge family.
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Bill is my big brother and he was an outstanding brother to me. We looked forward to a great deal of fun and travel together still. Rebecca Hart has been Bill's long term girl friend. He really enjoyed Ruthie !!!!
Bill and I were very good friends. I visited bill at his home in 2019. We had a great time together. I was there for 3 weeks but could have stayed longer. We called each other every couple weeks. Talked about our work k together in San Diego, sports and politics. At my men’s bible study we prayed for bill. I will miss him a lot. Bill is with the lord niw.
My brother Bill was one of a kind. A complete original! He will be missed by many.Â
Oh Bill, I am sorry that this happen to you. The way you took care of yourself, I thought you would live a long life, (except for your Friday nights.) May you finally have peace and may God be with you. Your ex-wife, Shelly
The "Brecker", as his Annapolis shipmates called him, was a best friend of mind. I knew him from the age of 17 until he passed. He was very proud of his being a descendent of VP of the U.S. Breckinridge in the 1850's. He was the classic definition of a "really nice guy", as all his classmates would attest to.
After many exploits at Annapolis, too many to relate here, that included his visit to my mother in New Jersey to accept her hospitality, it was on to San Diego and active duty Navy. There were many social gatherings that included his wife Janet, and other classmates and their wives or dates. I've been to his home in San Diego and a few times to his vacation home in South Haven, MI. I knew his parents, his brother Dana, and met his sister Becky. I watched his son, Billy, also an Annapolis grad, and daughter Kristen as they grew up. He also had another daughter that brought him joy and comfort in his later years that I met. My memory is failing, but one thing sticks out. I took him to our county fair in Deland, FL, after our retirement, where Mitch Ryder, his favorite singer, performed. A performer from the 60's.He commented to me it was the best show he had ever seen. He had seen many performers during his life, as music was a major interest to him.
Bill was always upbeat and cheerful, even during his later years when plagued by pain and injuries. He is missed.
To the Breckinridge Family,
Bill was solid man and a great friend. Always looked forward to his visits with Dana and I and the High Stakes Gambling" on the practice greens at Landsbrook. Miss you Bill. Rest in Peace and thank you for your service to America.
Best
Paul Olson
I am so sorry to learn of Bill's passing. I knew him when he was a Midshipman at the USNA in Annapolis MD. He was a very kind and friendly human being with an amazing sense if humor. As a friend we shared the love of the blues. I'm sure he is greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
PS: Thank you Bill for your service to our great Country 🇺🇸
Bill had a wonderful and kind spirit. I knew him when he lived in Chula Vista. One night we made a run up to the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach together. We saw one of our favorites, James Harman, and had a great time. I am sorry to learn he has passed.