Monday ObitsCoyote |
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Master and Commander Posts: 1119 Location: NE Florida | Subject: Monday Obits https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=eternal%20patrol%20by%20ussvi The above link goes to the USSVI (United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.) Facebook page where their members who have gone on “Eternal Patrol” are noted. I’ll keep my work here going, trying to get others who were not USSVI members. You’re encouraged to look there as well as here! Obviously, there’ll be some I miss and some I duplicate. STAGGS .. .. .. Harold Earl Staggs, born on August 26, 1924, in Pasadena CA., passed away peacefully on October 11, 2024, at the age of 100 in San Dimas, CA. Harold was known for his easygoing personality, infectious laugh, and love for music at low volume. His sense of humor and jovial nature made him a beloved figure among his family and friends. Harold’s commitment to service was evident throughout his life. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1941 to 1945 during World War II, and again from 1950 to 1951 during the Korean Conflict. As a dedicated member of the Silent Service, he served on the USS Tambor, USS Parche, and USS Sea Raven, participating in a total of 9 war patrols and playing a role in the pivotal Battle of Midway, while serving on board Tambor. Harold also had the opportunity to serve under Medal of Honor recipient Commander Lawson P. “Red” Ramage on board the maiden patrol of the Parche. Harold demonstrated bravery and skill, achieving the rate/rank of Torpedoman First Class and was “qualified” on every submarine he served on. This was a true testament to his expertise and dedication to his fellow sailors. After his military service, Harold embarked on a successful career as a painter and later joined the Arcadia Fire Department, where he served for 23 years, retiring as a Captain. His commitment to community service continued as he volunteered extensively at the Arcadia Elks Lodge, #2025 and the San Dimas office of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as a civilian. Harold’s dedication earned him several accolades, including Fireman of the Year and Elk of the Year twice. Harold was active as a Life Member of “The Submarine Veterans WWII”, V.F.W. Post 8070, Arcadia Elks Lodge 2025 and the California State Fireman’s Association. Harold was also a proud Holland Club Member, an elite group of submariners. In recent years, Harold enjoyed participating with an Honor Flight to Washington DC, was able to enjoy two trips to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans as a guest of the Gary Sinise Foundation and was at the 80th Anniversary of December 7th at Pearl Harbor as a guest of the Best Defense Foundation. Every trip was a fitting honor to one of the Greatest Generation. Harold also attended the Western Region Roundup of Submariners for 25 straight years until Covid. Aside from his professional and volunteer engagements, Harold enjoyed collecting submarine memorabilia, reading a variety of books, drinking Costco Scotch, watching old black and white movies, pizza with a Bud, and playing Craps or Poker. His contributions to various organizations were profound, and his legacy of generosity and service continues to inspire those that had the pleasure of knowing him. Harold was predeceased by his parents, Mabel and Earl Staggs, His first wife Harriet Smith; his wife, Kay Staggs; son, Timothy Staggs; and siblings, Virginia, Gerri, Marilynn, Gary and Keith Staggs. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Gordon and Sheri Staggs; stepchildren, Debbie Landis, Steve Gahring, and Todd Gahring along with step grandchildren, Scott and Timothy Landis. A memorial service to celebrate Harold’s remarkable life is scheduled for January 15, 2025, at 11 AM at the Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA. In lieu of flowers Harold requested donations be made to the Arcadia Elks Lodge #2025, honoring his long-standing involvement and support for the community. Harold’s life was marked by his laughter, service and the deep connections he fostered with all those that knew him. He will be greatly missed. MaAFEE .. .. .. Mr. Robert Wayne McAfee, 85, of Pulaski died Nov. 6, 2024. Mr. McAfee was born May 19, 1939, in Pontotoc, Miss. He was a U.S. Navy veteran serving on the USS Bergall nuclear submarine. He was retired from TVA where he worked at Brown's Ferry Nuclear Plant for many years of his career as an electrician. He also helped to build the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Ala., the Boeing facility in Decatur, Ala., and the Toyota manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Ala. He also had a few side jobs during his career such as insulation and owning the Pulaski Glass business for a few years. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He was a man of many talents and could practically fix anything in the areas of automobiles, tractors, carpentry, construction, plumbing and especially electricity. He loved to cook and was always in the kitchen trying new recipes. He perfected his mother's famous fried pies, which he lovingly delivered to friends and family in the community. He was a member of the Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church where he faithfully served his church and community. He was an excellent husband, father, and grandfather and will be sorely missed by his family, friends, neighbors and church family. He is preceded in death by parents, Robert Edward McAfee and Duff Johnson McAfee; son Christopher Troy McAfee; brother James Edward McAfee; nephew James Brian McAfee; brother-in-law William (Pete) Britton and sister-in-law Betty McAfee. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery with valued friend of many years and brother-in-Christ Paul McKinney officiating. | ||
