William "Bill" Lorenza Givens

With deep love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of William “Bill” Lorenza Givens, who passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026 at the age of 61 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on July 26, 1965, in Crestview, Florida, Bill lived a life defined by service, humor, and an unwavering devotion to the people he loved. He served in the United States Navy as a helicopter crew chief and rescue swimmer, and carried the Navy’s values of honor, courage, and commitment with him throughout his life. The friendships and experiences from those years remained among his most treasured memories. Following his military service, Bill devoted himself to a career in aviation, a field that perfectly suited his inquisitive mind, technical expertise, and love of serving others. Throughout his career, he worked in the acquisition and management of helicopter and unmanned aircraft programs, helping provide critical support to the men and women of the United States military. Bill never met a mechanical problem he wasn’t willing to tackle, and he was always ready with a funny story or a helping hand. Bill found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved cooking and sharing meals with family and friends, traveling, riding motorcycles, collecting fine whiskeys, and spending time with his beloved dogs. More than anything, he valued the people around him and had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome, appreciated, and loved. Above all else, Bill treasured his family. He is survived by his spouse, BK Sikes; his daughter, Jessica Issa; and his sister, Joyce Burke, all of whom will forever carry forward his legacy of strength, generosity, and love. He was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Helms; his brother, Gene Givens; his mother, Josie Laura Mathis; and his father, Isaac Harold Givens. Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we are profoundly grateful for the years we shared with him. Bill will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, brother, veteran, loyal friend, and mentor. His quiet strength, steadfast loyalty, and generous spirit will continue to inspire everyone whose lives he touched. Fair winds and following seas. A service celebrating Bill’s life will be held at Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home Friday, August 14th, at 12pm with visitation two hours prior. Interment will follow at Middle-TN State Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to a Veterans or Service Dog Organization, or that acts of kindness be performed in his memory.

William "Bill" Lorenza Givens

July 26, 1965 - August 6, 2026