Athens - A celebration of the life of Bill Breedlove will be held at 1:00 p.m. on June 16, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Athens, 405 East Corsicana Street, Athens, Texas 75751.

William "Bill" Davis Breedlove, 86, of Athens, Texas, passed peacefully into the presence of his Heavenly Father on June 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and children.

Bill was born January 7, 1940, in Tyler, Texas, the son of William Clay Breedlove and Mittie (Wilson) Breedlove, where he developed the determination, work ethic, and independence that would define his life. After graduating from John Tyler High School, he attended The University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a degree in Finance, became a member of Sigma Nu fraternity, and met the love of his life, Margaret Johnson. Their marriage became the foundation of a remarkable partnership that spanned decades, raising a family and sharing countless adventures together.

Following graduation, Bill and Margaret moved to Dallas, where he began a distinguished career in banking. Through keen financial instincts, exceptional business acumen, and relentless dedication, Bill rose steadily through the ranks of the banking industry. He served as President of First National Bank of Dallas, where he became a member of the Young Presidents' Organization and forged lifelong friendships. He later served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First National Bank of Dallas and as Vice Chairman of InterFirst Corporation. In his later professional years, he was a partner at Hoak Breedlove Wesneski & Co., an investment banking and financial advisory firm.

Bill believed strongly in giving back to his community and dedicated his time and leadership to numerous civic organizations. He served as Chairman of the Central Business District Association, Treasurer of the North Texas Commission, and as a board member of both the YMCA and the Salesmanship Club.

Known for his grit, discipline, and unwavering determination, Bill approached every challenge with confidence and resolve. He believed in honesty, hard work, and doing things the right way. He worked hard, played hard, and embraced life with enthusiasm and adventure. An accomplished runner, he was especially proud of qualifying for and completing the Boston Marathon.

Family was at the heart of Bill's life. While raising their children, Bill and Margaret spent summers at their home in Lake City, Colorado, where family adventures included fly fishing, camping, snowmobiling, horseback riding, cross-country heli-skiing, and Jeep excursions over Cinnamon Pass and Engineer Pass. These treasured years instilled in their children a deep appreciation for the outdoors and created memories that would last a lifetime.

After their children were grown, Bill and Margaret purchased a ranch near Athens, Texas, where Bill enthusiastically embraced ranch life. While continuing his daily commute to Dallas, he immersed himself in the breeding of Simmental cattle and found great satisfaction in building and caring for the ranch. It became a gathering place for family and friends and a source of cherished memories for his growing family.

Seeking respite from the Texas summers, Bill and Margaret later found a second home in Carmel, California. There they enjoyed golfing at Monterey Peninsula Country Club and spending time with dear friends and family while enjoying the beauty of the California coast.

Beyond his professional accomplishments and adventurous pursuits, Bill possessed a creative spirit. He expressed it through cooking, landscaping, and gardening. He became famous among family and friends for his pulled pork and ribs, though any meal he prepared inevitably became an occasion for togetherness. In later years, after he and Margaret moved into town, Bill transformed their backyard into a stunning oasis of flowers, trees, and vibrant colors. Each spring, he delighted in hosting an annual Tulip Show, proudly sharing the varieties he had carefully planted and nurtured.

A longtime member of Dallas Country Club and Athens Country Club, golf remained one of Bill's lifelong passions and a constant source of enjoyment and fellowship.

Bill will be remembered for his strength of character, sharp intellect, adventurous spirit, and steadfast values. He was independent, determined, loyal, and honest—sometimes candidly so—but always genuine. He loved deeply, kept his word, and lived life fully and unapologetically. His legacy is one of courage, hard work, integrity, and devotion to family.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, William C. Breedlove (LaMerle), and his mother, Mittie W. Breedlove.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret J. Breedlove; sons Bill Breedlove, Jr. (Stephanie) of Telluride, Colorado, and Tom Breedlove (Marilyn) of New Braunfels, Texas; daughter Molly Bonner (Jimmy) of Dallas, Texas; brother Bob Breedlove (Theresa) of Bullard, Texas; sister Kay Stanley (Jon) of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; extended family Julie and Buddy Zeagler of Lufkin, Texas; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him tremendous pride and joy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children's Hospital in Galveston or to the charity of one's choice.