Master and Commander
Posts: 1208
Location: NE Florida | Subject: Thursday 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.
ALLEN .. .. .. G. Millard Allen Jr., 91, of St. Simons Island, passed away on April 28, 2025.
Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Millard was the son of George Millard Allen Sr. and Lucille Sweeney. After the early loss of his mother, Millard was lovingly raised by his stepmother, Vera Williams, who was a constant source of encouragement and support throughout his life. A 1951 graduate of C.E. Byrd High School, Millard continued his education at Marion Military Institute in Alabama before receiving an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, graduating in 1956 with a B.S. in Engineering Technology.
In May 1957, he married the love of his life, Frances Jouett. Their marriage marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey, raising four daughters, moving more than 20 times over 30 years, and ultimately settling on St. Simons Island in 1988. Millard proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy, spending five years on active duty and 15 years in the Naval Reserve, retiring as a Commander. He qualified in submarines aboard the USS Threadfin in 1958 and later served as Executive Officer on the USS Marlin. His reserve career took him to cities across the country, including Dallas, Cleveland, Detroit, Pittsburgh and Chicago, where he commanded a Reserve Submarine Division. For Millard, submarine service embodied the values of teamwork and dedication - principles he upheld throughout his life.
Following his military career, Millard became a leader in the computer and telecommunications industry, holding key roles at IBM, Texas Instruments, Honeywell, among other significant early tech companies and when huge mainframes were considered new, innovative technology. He eventually founded his own consulting firm, T-Fin Inc. He worked with clients around the world to drive strategic sales growth and business development in the rapidly changing tech landscape.
Deeply committed to his community, Millard dedicated himself to numerous civic causes after moving to St. Simons Island. He served on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce, the Military Officers Association of America, and the Coastal Symphony of Georgia. From 2007 to 2018, he was a valued member of the Glynn County Board of Education, including several terms as Chairman. Under his leadership, the district saw measurable improvements in academic performance and graduation rates.
Millard's life was grounded in his faith, family and an unwavering commitment to service. He was a man of deep conviction, known for his warmth, generosity and ability to make connections wherever he went - he never met a stranger. His boundless energy, enthusiasm and positive spirit left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He was a man of conviction and a man of his word.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Frances Jouett Allen.
He is survived by his four daughters and their families, Beth Allen Kirkman of Plano, Texas, and her children, Kyle Kirkman (Hannah), Erin Foreman (Kevin) and Tyler Kirkman (Kristina); Janet Johnston of Marshall, Texas, and her children, Adrian Close (Waine) and Brooks Johnston; Amy Cooke (Greg) of Northbrook, Illinois, and their children, Dan Cooke (Hannah), Katy Cooke and Tim Cooke; Susan Shipp (David) of Boerne, Texas, and their children, Sam Shipp (David) and Charlie Shipp. He is also survived by his devoted sisters-in-law, Jerre Jouett and Lyn Woods; as well as 10 great-grandchildren who continue to honor his legacy with respect, enthusiasm and love.
Millard Allen's life was a testament to integrity, perseverance, dignity and service. He was a true dedicated patriot and loved his country. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family, friends and the many communities he helped strengthen and inspire. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
PONDO .. .. .. Eugene F. Pondo, 91, of Pinellas Park, Florida, passed away peacefully on April 22nd, 2025.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, he grew up in the Fells Point neighborhood of the city and later moved to the Middle River area of eastern Baltimore County. He was a U.S. Navy submarine veteran and spent time in Pensacola, San Diego and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Gene also worked more than 30 years in civil service for the U.S. Army. Back in the 1960's, he had a part time job as a photographer for the NFL Baltimore Colts.
Over the years, he enjoyed boating, had a motorcycle and was an avid golfer. He was also active at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Essex, Maryland as an usher. He moved with his wife Pat to Florida in 2022 to be closer to family.
Gene was preceded in death by two sisters over the last two years. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 ½ years, Patricia, his son Robert (Sheila) Pondo, granddaughters Jessica (Jason) Barnett, Alison (Matthew) Ina and great grandson Callan Ina, all of Tampa. He is also survived by three nieces and a nephew: Janice (Joel) of Baltimore, MD, Cindy (Gary) of Crystal Beach, FL, Mary (David) of Nashville, TN, and James of Baltimore, MD.
A funeral mass will be held Friday, May 9th at 11am at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Pinellas Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Suncoast Hospice Foundation.
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Thursday Obits
