William “Billy” Ellis Duggins

William “Billy” Ellis Duggins passed peacefully at his home in San Diego, California surrounded by family on January 19, 2024.

Billy was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on September 6, 1943. Raised by his mother, they were bonded together and leaned on each other to get through their day to day life. 

Billy joined the Navy in 1960 and became a part of the USS Saint Paul and was an Electrician’s Mate. His last duty station was in San Diego where he met his first wife. He then moved to Coburg, Oregon to become a lumberjack and raise his three children. After parting ways he then moved back to San Diego, where his mother was living. 

On July 3, 1971 he met the love of his life, Sue. They were then married on August 26, 1972. Together they have two children. 

In September of 1972 Billy started his apprenticeship in the electrical industry. In 1978 he became a member of IBEW Local Union 569. He was a very proud Union Journeyman Inside Wireman who loved showing his family the projects he worked on. In 2002 he started teaching electrical apprentices and journeyman how to pass their California General Electrical State Certification Exams. His students had an astonishing 98% passing record. 

Billy was a four-time cancer survivor who also battled Parkinson’s disease. The last few years were a bit of struggle for him physically, but he continued to fight and enjoyed every bit of life that he could. He will be missed by many.

Survivors include his wife Sue, his five children, Debbie (Gary), Denise (Greg), Dave (Crissy), LeeAnne (Chad), and Shane; along with his six grandchildren Danielle (Chris), Levi (Victoria), Logan, Emma, Zachariah, and Ava. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 24th at 4:00 PM at the IBEW 569 Union Hall. 

Lastly, the family expresses deep appreciation to the Hospice nurses and healthcare givers that gave Billy so much heartfelt and loving care during his last few weeks.  We will be forever grateful.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s disease.