William (Bill) Grenell Huggins, of Port St. Lucie, FL, passed away on April 12, 2016 at his home in Florida with his wife and children by his side.

Born October 3rd, 1925 in Watertown, NY, he lived in Carthage prior to moving to Port St Lucie, FL. He spent his summers in Cape Vincent, NY. He attended the Hope Lutheran Church of Port St Lucie, FL.

He is survived by his wife, Annemarie Koho Huggins who he married on October 1988 in Palm City, FL. A previous marriage ended in divorce.

Surviving children are Kathleen J. Hurley of Ballston Spa, NY; Patricia G. Huggins of Saratoga Springs, NY; Alice A. Carr (Jim) of Alexandria, VA, and William J. Huggins (Teresa) of Clinton, NY. He is also survived by eight grandchildren; Lisa Hurley, Karen Bartgis, Joey Kamide, Jonathan (Shannon) Kamide, Megan Kamide, Elizabeth Gomula, Tara Huggins, Mike Huggins and three great-grandchildren.

Mr. Huggins is a WW-II veteran having entered the US Navy in June 1943 at the age of 17 as Plank Owner on the USS Cacapon (Fleet Oiler). He obtained the rank of Quartermaster Second Class. After being discharged March 1946 he graduated from Carthage High School with the Veterans Class. He was the last surviving member of that class.

After attending NYS Agricultural & Technical Institute, Canton, NY, he went to work at the St. Regis paper mill until he was recalled by the US Navy in 1951 to serve in the Korean War on the USS White Marsh. Upon discharge he was employed as a foreman for 32 years with Niagara Mohawk Power Company.

He was a life member, past Exalted Ruler and State Vice-President of the Carthage Elks Lodge 1762; a life member and past Commander of Bassett-Baxter Post 789 of the American Legion; past President of Carthage Lions Club and a member of the Carthage Fire Department for 25 years. He was also a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 420, Saratoga Springs, NY.

In his younger years he loved to ski, hunt, bowl and play golf. He was an avid sailor and fisherman. He loved listening to audio biographies and telling stories about his life in the Navy and growing up in Northern NY.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents William Grenell Huggins and Helen Huested Huggins, and sister, Jean Huggins Higgins Wetsig.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider donations to the Cancer Society or Hospice of Treasure Coast, 10360 S. US Highway 1, Port St. Lucie, FL, 34952.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home in Carthage, NY. A memorial service with military honors will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, May 27th at the Fairview Cemetery in Carthage, NY. A celebration of life will be held immediately following the service.