Hampton Roads Crane & Rigging Co. Founder Bill Speegle Dies

July 26, 2016 - James William “Bill” Speegle, founder of Hampton Roads Crane & Rigging Co., Newport News, Va., died July 15, at age 89, following a brief illness. He worked until he became ill, and “lived life to the fullest," said son Jim Speegle, company president.

 

After a full career as rigging superintendent for Lockwood Brothers Inc., Bill Speegle started his own company in 1981. Memorable projects included moving the Watermen’s Museum building across the York River, and hoisting the 34-ton propeller from the SS United States in place at the gateway to the Mariners’ Museum. The company also lifted a full-size replica of the USS Monitor’s revolving gun turret for display outside the USS Monitor Center.

 

Speegle attended Hampton High School, and at 17 enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served in the 82nd Airborne during WWII. Upon his return, from the war, he worked for Lockwood Brothers. He was a member of the SC&RA, the Hampton Yacht Club, Hampton Roads Assembly, German Club, Peninsula Sports Club, and Yorktown Rotary Club. A longtime contributor and season ticket holder to William & Mary football and basketball games, he was bestowed the title of an honorary alumnus to the College.

 

Preceded in death by his parents and an infant grandchild, Speegle is survived by his wife of 59 years, Katherine Collie Speegle; twin children, Elizabeth S. Thompson and James W. Speegle Jr.; four grandchildren, and six siblings. A funeral service was conducted at Grace Episcopal Church, Yorktown, and a burial was held in the church cemetery. Memorial funds may be made in lieu of flowers to Grace Episcopal Church, Yorktown.