 William F. Bringle was born in Covington, Tennessee, on April 23, 1913, the son of Lota Smith Bringle and William F. Bringle.He attended the Byars-Hall High School and Columbia Military Academy before his appointment to the United States Naval Academy.Graduating in June 1937, he was commissioned an ensign and, through subsequent advancement, attained the rank of captain on July 1, 1955.