William Evans Beedie, Iii

William Evans Beedie III, age 83, of Bluffton, South Carolina passed away at home, resting in the love of his family, during the early morning hours of Friday, March 18.

Born November 27, 1938 in Norfolk, Virginia, he was the son of William Evans Beedie, Jr. and Florence (Reardon) Estrella.

After serving in the Air Force in Korea and attending William & Mary University, Bill met the love of his life, Doris Ann Beedie.  Married for nearly 57 years, Bill is survived by Doris; along with his two children; Bill (Serena) Beedie of Placentia, California and Sondra (Larry) Richards of Midland, Texas; four grandchildren, Cade Beedie, Cecilia Beedie, Parker Richards and Weston Richards; one great-grandchild, Elle Beedie; and his cousin Florence Reutlinger.

Bill spent his entire career working for Kraft Food Service, eventually retiring as an executive vice-president of field operations with the company. Bill was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved.  His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something you would know within minutes of meeting him.  Combining his love of the food service industry and his love of family meant you would find him at his happiest sharing stories and laughs with his family at their favorite restaurants or at the family’s annual home-cooked seafood feast.

Bill was unendingly proud of his wife’s accomplishments, including her nursing education and career, as well as her art and non-profit work.  Additionally, Bill would tell anyone who would listen how proud he was of his son Bill’s success and leadership in the food service industry and his daughter’s dedication as a professor at a community college. He always taught us to stand tall, be proud, and know ourselves in all situations and supported us all throughout the many accomplishments and difficulties of our lives.

Bill loved the game of football, especially as a long-devoted fan of the Las Vegas Raiders. Additionally, he could always be counted on for a lively political discussion with his family and friends.  Most importantly, he loved creating family memories and traditions, which meant no year would be complete without the entire family gathering for patriotic July 4th commemorations and Christmas/New Year’s holidays celebrations.

Memorial services for William (Bill) Beedie will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, March 25 at All Saints Episcopal Church at 3001 Meeting St., Hilton Head Island, SC 29926.  A reception will follow at the Colleton River clubhouse.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Colleton River Charity Fund, Hospice Care of the Low Country, or Tunnels to Towers.