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At random: Three wives of Presidents of the United States have sponsored submarines. Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower christened the USS NAUTILUS, Mrs. John F. Kennedy christened the USS LAFAYETTE and Mrs. Hillary Clinton christened the USS Columbia SSN771 in 1995.

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Coyote

Posted 2025-10-22 12:11 PM (#105736)

Master and Commander

Posts: 1315

Location: NE Florida

Subject: Wednesday Obits

https://www.facebook.com/ussvi.eternalpatrol/

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.

BENTON .. .. .. Larry Benton, 82, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2025, after a ten-month battle with mesothelioma. Born on February 22, 1943, to Roy and Margaret Benton on Love Street in Mexico, Missouri, Larry lived a life marked by service, leadership, and love.
After graduating from Hickman High School in 1961, Larry proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 7 years and 3 months. He began his Naval career aboard the diesel-powered U.S.S. Croaker (SS-246) submarine, where he served as an Electrician’s Mate. Following his service on the Croaker, he attended the U.S. Naval Nuclear Power School, where he graduated second in his class. He then served aboard the nuclear-powered submarine U.S.S. George Washington Carver (SSBN-656), achieving the Petty Officer First Class (E6) rank as a Machinist’s Mate, on call 24/7, he evaluated the nuclear reactor water on command. His dedication and technical expertise reflected his lifelong pursuit of excellence and integrity.

SMITH .. .. .. Carlton "Ben" Smith was born April 28, 1953 in Fitzgerald, Georgia. He was one of eleven children born to the late William Carlton (Bill) Smith and Marcelle Hunter Smith. He graduated from Fitzgerald High School in 1971, and was the recipient of many top honors in his senior year. As a proud Navy veteran, he served for 8 years aboard nuclear submarines, dedicating his time to protecting his country beneath the seas. He returned to Georgia where he began his career at General Physics and soon was hired at Southern Company for the remainder of his employment. Ben retired from Southern Company in 2016. He lived most of his life in Lyons, GA and later moved to Statesboro to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren.
He loved spending time with his Grandchildren. He would spend countless hours with them teaching them skills, telling them stories of when he was a little boy growing up in South Georgia, and cheering both kids on at their respective activities.
Besides spending time with his Grandchildren, Ben enjoyed Camping Life. He never met a stranger and strangers always ended up becoming friends. His gift of gab left lasting impressions on every person he met.
Ben was a skilled carpenter. His daddy taught him this valuable skill as a young child/ young adult. There's nothing he could not build. His eye and attention to detail was impeccable. When he wasn't busy exploring campgrounds, Ben enjoyed working in his yard and spending time with his family.
Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife: Glenda Clifton Smith; a daughter: Nina (Charles) Townsend and two grandchildren: the loves of his life, Charlie and Emma-Charles of Statesboro, GA ; siblings: Juanita Gatch of Charleston, South Carolina, Jackie Walston of Foxfield, Colorado, Ward Smith of St Petersburg, Florida, Mabel (Perry) Stallings of Raleigh, North Carolina, Kenneth (Marcia) Smith of Snellville, Georgia, Alice (Billy) Prescott of Fitzgerald, Georgia, Rhonda (Robert) Pridgen of Wray, Georgia; a sister-in-law: Ginny Smith of Lexington, South Carolina, a brother-in-law: Steve Reed of Macon, Georgia, along with many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers: Matthew Smith and Ralph Smith; and a sister, Dorothy Reed, brother in law Tim Walston. He will be missed, also, by his fur babies: Izzy, Gidget, Smudge and his Grand Dog Gizmo.

SHARKEY .. .. .. John went to his heavenly home on October 20th. John was preceded in death by his parents, Joyce and Clyde Sharkey, his brother Tom Sharkey, and grandson Noah Tex. John was born in 1945 and grew up Beech Grove, IN. John is survived by his wife of 53 years, Peg Sharkey, daughters Dawn Snow (Chris)Battle Creek, MI; Laura Walden (Ryan) Heritage Lake, IN, Gina Tex, Indianapolis, IN and son, Jason Sharkey (Monica), Lebanon, IN, brothers Patrick Sharkey, Fremont, CA and Michael Sharkey, Batesville, IN, sister Pamela Sharkey, 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. John attended Sacred Heart High School one year before transferring to Beech Grove High School. John lettered on the baseball team and was on the swim team at the Olympic Club in Beech Grove. While in junior high and high school, he served every morning as altar boy at St. Francis Hospital chapel. John graduated from high school in 1963 and immediately enlisted in the US Navy where he selected the Submarine Service. While serving on the USS Tyru, he became their official diver.
John had the honor of standing guard over the USS Arizona while serving. Later John transferred to an escort destroyer USS Bronstein and served in Vietnam, Cambodia and the Gulf of Tonkin. Upon returning home, he started the 4 year Electrical Apprentice School. As a Journeyman Electrician, he worked for various electric companies for 11 years before transferring to Allison Gas Turbine becoming Electrical Trades Supervisor. In 1992 he left GM to join his family electric Company, Moran Electric Service as general manager. Later, he joined Marubeni Plant Contractors, retiring in 2016.

SMITH .. .. .. Charles Donald Smith, son of Charles Douglas Smith and Doris India Sorrells Smith, was born in Atlanta, GA, on January 12, 1935. The family eventually settled back in their hometown of Monroe, GA, where Don grew up and attended school. Upon graduation from high school, Don joined the US Navy and proudly served globally on active submarine duty (Communications) from 1954 to 1964. On June 28, 1959, Don married his high school sweetheart, Joan Peters Smith, whom he had known since first grade. Between 1960 and 1965, they had 3 children – Cynthia (Cindy) Anne, Ginger Renee and Charles Allen. They relocated from Monroe to Tucker, GA, in 1967 when Don was employed as a field engineer for Control Data Corporation, and then to Simpsonville, SC, in 1974 when Don took a field engineer job with Northern Telecom. Don retired from NorTel in 1996 and moved into the Magnolia Crest neighborhood in 2001, where he served as President and Vice President of the HOA. He enjoyed a long and healthy retirement taking leisure trips with Joan, spending time with his granddaughter, Audrey Elizabeth Atkins, and reminiscing with friends and family in Georgia. Don loved to help others, graciously offering his time to support friends and neighbors with various needs. He passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025, at the age of 90. He was preceded in death by his father Douglas, mother Doris, and sister Gail. He is survived by wife Joan, children Cindy, Ginger and Allen, and sister Joyce. Services will be private.

LAVIE .. .. .. Stephen Francis LaVie, aged 78, passed away on October 9, 2025, in his residence at Dominion Senior Living in Athens, TN.
Steve was born on December 24, 1946, to Sarah (Docherty) and Francis LaVie. He attended Boston Public Schools and continued his education at Fitchburg State College, MA. His education was interrupted when he joined the US Navy in 1969. He advanced to Engineering Lab Technician and was assigned to the ballistic submarine Sam Rayburn. After nine patrols, he concluded his service in 1976.
Steve spent his entire civilian career working in the nuclear power industry. After leaving the Navy, he began working at Nuclear Utilities Services (NUS) in Gaithersburg, MD. He went on to work in emergency planning at Duquesne Power and Light in Beaver Valley, PA. Later Steve was appointed to a Health Physicist position at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in Washington, DC, where he was awarded the Meritorious Service Award. Steve enjoyed his work immensely and was very well respected by his colleagues. He retired in 2017.
Steve was awarded his Bachelor of Science degree in 2017 and was named Distinguished Alumnus at the Fitchburg State University graduation ceremony that year.
Steve's passions were scuba diving, travelling and the arts, especially music. He contributed to the Kennedy Center, the Clarence Brown Theatre and the Metropolitan Opera. Steve was a frequent weekend visitor to New York City, where he would organize his schedule to take in a Broadway show, an opera, and a concert. During his world travels, he attended performances in the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Russia.

GLEASON .. .. .. Thomas Howat Gleason, of Whitesboro, NY passed away peacefully the morning of October 18, 2025. As Tom wished, we are keeping this last summary of his life simple. Tom was born on September 27, 1953, to the late John Edward and Helen Howat Gleason, who instilled in him a strong work ethic. He began working in his mid-teens while in high school and was still working at the time of his death for the Waterville Central School District. Tom was a proud veteran of the United States Navy where he was in the submarine service and achieved the rank of Master Chief E-9. He continued his education while in the Navy, obtaining a master degree in business. In his last command, prior to retirement, he was Chief of the Boat (COB), Store Keeper Master Chief Submarine Service (SKCM - SS). He was always very proud of his service to his country. Tom is survived by his partner, Garnette Inman; a large family, including five children, several grandchildren, four brothers and three sisters and many friends. In keeping with his wishes, there will be no calling hours or services.

SMITH .. .. .. Gregory Dean "Greg" Smith ObituaryGregory Dean Smith, age 70, of Euclid, Ohio, peacefully passed away on October 21, 2025, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Surrounded by his loved ones, Greg faced his illness with quiet strength, grace, and the same gentle spirit that guided his life.
Greg was born in Seattle, Washington, and moved with his family to Avon Lake, Ohio, when he was a baby. He graduated from Avon Lake High School and went on to attend Ricks College in Idaho for one year before proudly serving his country in the United States Navy. During his six years of service, Greg achieved the rank of Petty Officer Second Class Electronics Technician and served as a nuclear power operator aboard the submarine USS Lapon (SSN 661), home ported in Norfolk, Virginia.
Following his honorable discharge, Greg returned to Ohio, where he worked at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant for 15 years. Always eager to learn and grow, he later earned his Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and went on to serve as the IT Administrator for the City of Shaker Heights until his retirement.
Greg was a man of many talents and endless curiosity. He loved playing racquetball and golf, and he found great joy in creating things with his hands. Whether he was building with Legos, crafting stained glass, painting with watercolors, or carving and woodworking, Greg approached each project with patience and creativity. His interests also extended to technology - from 3D printing and electronics to coding - he was always exploring new ways to learn and innovate.
Above all else, Greg was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Pamela (Groesbeck); children Brad (Jordyn), Patrick (Hannah), Jessica, and Jared; grandchildren Dean and Nora; step-grandchildren Ava and Kimber; and siblings Robert, Cindy, Cathy, and Becky. He will forever be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor, and the deep love he shared with his family and friends.

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