Alabama
Remembering William B. Whitbeck: A Pensacola Marine and Community Volunteer
William B. Whitbeck, 41, of Pensacola, Florida, passed suddenly on Monday, December 29, 2025.Born on October 22, 1984, in Catskill, New York, William—affectionately known as “Will”—was the son of Bruce Whitbeck and Pamella Higgins. He grew up in Freehold, NY,…
Key points
- William B. Whitbeck served in the Marine Corps and was a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
- He was known for his love of the outdoors and community service, particularly with Wreaths Across America.
- Visitation will take place at Waters & Hibbert Funeral Home in Pensacola before interment at Barrancas National Cemetery.
William B. Whitbeck, a 41-year-old resident of Pensacola, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on December 29, 2025. Born on October 22, 1984, in Catskill, New York, he was affectionately known as “Will” and was the son of Bruce Whitbeck and Pamella Higgins.
Will spent his childhood in Freehold, NY, where he graduated from Greenville Central High School before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Sciences from Troy University in Alabama. At the young age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving from 2002 to 2011, and was a two-time veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2007, he married his high school sweetheart, Colleen “Co” Whitbeck.
Will had a passion for the outdoors, enjoying activities such as fishing, kayaking, and grilling. He was a lifelong fan of the Buffalo Bills, a passion he shared with his father. His adventurous spirit led him to travel with Colleen to various destinations in Europe and the Caribbean. He was known for his compassion and dedication to community service, volunteering with Wreaths Across America at Barrancas National Cemetery, a cause that held special meaning for him.
At the time of his death, Will was employed at Navy Federal Credit Union, where he had worked for nine years. He is survived by his wife Colleen, their dog Logan, his mother Pamella Higgins and stepfather Jon Delly, along with siblings Jennifer Lampman, Daniel Whitbeck, and Dylan Whitbeck. He also leaves behind nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and an extensive family network.
Preceded in death by his father and both sets of grandparents, visitation for Will will take place on January 9, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Waters & Hibbert Funeral Home, located at 124 W Gregory St., Pensacola, FL. Following the visitation, Military Honors and interment will occur at Barrancas National Cemetery, situated on Naval Air Station Pensacola, at 2:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to The Navy Marine Corps Relief Society or the USO.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Based on reporting originally published by Waters & Hibbert Funeral Home (Pensacola). Read the original story.
