William Breeze enlisted in the army at the age of 21. By 23, he had become a bomber pilot in WWII. This was the start of his 30 year career in the Air Force. As a result of his service, he was awarded the Legion of Merit and Distinguished Flying Cross.

Breeze was also an alumnus of NC State University. He demonstrated loyalty to his alma mater throughout his life, culminating in his generous donation of the William and Elizabeth Breeze Family Farm Extension and Research Facility to NC State University. 

Upon retiring, he returned to farming. He was active both in his church, serving as an elder member of the Little River Presbyterian Church in Hurdle Mills. Along with donating his time and money to Little River Presbyterian, he was also a friend of many local and state politicians. Former United States Representative David E. Price said, “For years, he was Governor Jim Hunt’s main liaison in northern Orange County, and when I first ran for Congress in 1986, Bill helped me immensely in getting around that territory.” Orange County Board of Commissioners Earl McKee also described Breeze as being “... very straightforward, very honest, and very dignified … [h]e was willing to interact with everybody, and as comfortable at the general store as he was in a political setting.”

“Bill Breeze exemplified love of country, service to community, and politics at its best in ways that will in- spire me and many others for the rest of our lives.”

~ Congressman David E Price