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William Besmanoff Obituary
William David Besmanoff, 78, of St. Augustine, died Oct. 20, 2010, at the Earl B. Hadlow Center for Caring in Jacksonville. He was born in Munich, Germany, and resided in St. Augustine since 1995.
He was a professional heavyweight boxer and baker in the United States as well as in Germany. He had a total of 93 fights in his career, of which 51 were wins. Some of his opponents included Muhammad Ali, Archie Moore and Sonny Liston. He retired from boxing in 1967 and returned to his craft of baking, which he learned at a very early age in Germany. He opened several bakeries in Florida as well as in Georgia. He was a very dedicated boxer, baker and father.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Monday at Craig Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. David Shokes officiating.
He is survived by daughters, Barbara Rickards of St. Augustine, Thea Besmanoff of Douglasville, Ga., and Carol Butterfield, St. Augustine; sister, Thea Waringer, in Germany; and two grandchildren, Shane Braunberg and Jennifer Butterfield.
Craig Funeral Home Crematory Memorial Park is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Besmanoff
Dennis Maloney
October 18, 2024
Still remember those great memories from Willi's boxing days.
Beau Williford
February 15, 2011
When I was a young boy, Willie Besmanoff was one of my favorite boxers. He did not always win, but when he got beaten, he got beaten trying to win. God Bless you, Willie.
William Major
February 15, 2011
A Great fighter and even better family man i hear. sorry for your loss.
wm major
Chris LaForce
February 15, 2011
God Bless Willie Besmanoff, Good heavyweight boxer, baker and family man.
Chris LaForce, IBRO
Darrell Hill
October 31, 2010
I remember Billy well from when I was visiting my Dad at Moultrie Creek. It was a pleasure to hear stories about his background in boxing. Rest in piece Billy. It was a pleasure to have met you.
Deaon Triebel
October 30, 2010
Billy was my father's roommate at Moultrie Creek Nursing Home for 2 years until my Dad passed away.
He was such a kind and sweet gentleman and was such a pleasure to be around. Always had a smile on his face and never uttered an unkind word.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Besmanoff family.
putty besmanoff
October 28, 2010
Farewell Billy
Putty
Thea-Maria Waringer
October 28, 2010
Farewell beloved brother and brother in Law.We had a wonderful childhood before you started a career as a boxer in the US,that culminated as number four in Nat Fleischers"The Ring" .Later on, you succeded in your learned proffession as a bakerin Florida and Atlanta.You spend the last years with your daufhter Barbara and family.We will not forget you in eternety yours Putty and Manfred.
Berlin, 28.10.2010 Thea-Maria Waringer/besmanoff
thea maria waringer
October 28, 2010
Facewell beloved brother and brother in Law. We had a wonderful childhood before you started a career as a boxer in the US., that culminated as number four in Nat Fleischers "The Ring".Later on, you succeeded in your learned proffession as a baker in Florida and Alabama.You spend the last years with your daughter Barbara and family.We will not forget you in eternety yours Putty and Manfred
for my brother in eternity
thea-Maria waringer/besmanoff
October 28, 2010
Dennis Maloney
October 24, 2010
To the Besmanoff Family:
I was so saddened to read of Willi's passing and I offer you my condolences.
He was a real inspiration to me while I was growing up as a youngster in New York City when I watched his bouts from places like St Nick's Arena and Madison Square Garden. He was a battler who showed great courage and that's why the crowds loved him. To me, Willi will always be a champion.
I will keep Willi in my thoughts and prayers.
Dennis Maloney
17 May St
St Augustine FL 32084
Annie Parker
October 24, 2010
My deepest sympathies. Maddie (Cairn Terrier) and I visited Mr Besmanoff as a volunteer with Community Hospice. He was a charming gentleman.
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