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At random: "Submariners are a special brotherhood, either all come to the surface or no one does. On a submarine, the phrase all for one and one for all is not just a slogan, but reality.” -- VADM Rudolf Golosov of the Russian Navy

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Coyote

Posted 2025-07-14 12:24 PM (#105534)

Master and Commander

Posts: 1254

Location: NE Florida

Subject: Monday 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.

WRENN .. .. .. Stephen Michael Wrenn, of Vidalia, Georgia, passed away on July 13, 2025, at home, surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised in Vidalia, Steve spent most of his life in the community he called home. He graduated from Toombs County High School and went on to attend Mercer University in Macon. Music ran deep in his family—Steve played both the trumpet and piano. His grandmother once bought a VW van for him and his brother so they could haul equipment to their gigs, a cherished memory that reflected his lifelong love of music.
Driven by a strong sense of duty, Steve enlisted in the United States Navy. He completed his training in Chicago, where he tested at the top of his class, earning some of the highest scores the Navy had seen. Because of this achievement, he was selected to serve aboard a nuclear submarine.
Steve was assigned to the USS Bergall (SSN-667), where he served as a Nuclear Engineer. His years in the Navy were filled with moments of courage and precision—stories worthy of a Tom Clancy novel. From tracking submarines off the Russian coast to a near-catastrophe in the English Channel, Steve played a vital role in protecting his crew and his country. For one critical action, he received a letter of commendation that simply read: “Job well done.” One of his proudest accomplishments came aboard the Bergall, when he earned his “Blue Nose” certificate for crossing into the Arctic Circle near the North Pole. He also served aboard the USS John Adams (SSBN-620). In total, Steve served his country with honor for 12 years, traveling the world and forging lifelong bonds.
After returning home, Steve worked alongside his father as an independent truck driver. He spent many years on the road and was known as a master mechanic. He had a deep love for fast cars—especially his Chevelle—and could repair almost anything, mechanical or electrical. Together with his father and brothers, Steve designed and built a custom trailer that was ahead of its time. Other truckers offered to buy it, and today, trailers like it are a common sight on the road—a testament to their innovation.
Steve’s life changed forever when he met Dorothy, introduced to him by his sister-in-law. It took some persistence, but he won Dorothy’s heart, and the love they shared became a lasting example of what true partnership looks like. They were married in Florida at Dot’s brother’s home, and from that day forward, they were a team in every sense of the word.
Their relationship was rooted in deep respect, quiet humor, and unwavering commitment. Through life’s challenges and joys, they stood by one another without question. Their love wasn’t just felt—it was seen. It became the foundation that held their family together during the hardest times, and the light that guided the next generations forward.
Together, they provided more than care—they created a sense of belonging and safety for those around them. Whether traveling the country, caring for loved ones, or simply sitting side by side, Steve and Dot showed what it means to choose love, every single day. Their bond was unshakable. They didn’t just build a life—they built a legacy of strength, unity, and compassion.
Dot often traveled with Steve during his time on the road. After the death of Dot’s daughter Marie, followed by her husband Robert Carter, Steve and Dot stepped in without hesitation—not only as grandparents but as devoted caregivers. They opened their hearts and home to their four grandchildren. Then it great to eight great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren, providing love, guidance, and stability.
Steve and Dot also lovingly cared for his mother, Grace, for several years, moving back to the family home to support her in her later years. Through their actions, Steve and Dot showed what it truly means to love and serve family—with loyalty, compassion, and grace. Their example will continue to guide those who knew them.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Edmond and Grace Wrenn; his brothers, Gene Wrenn and Kenneth Wayne Wrenn; his daughter-in-law, Marie Carter; his granddaughter, Tonya Carter; and his grandson, Jerome Carter.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy Wrenn; granddaughter Azure Barwick; grandson and wife, Chad and Debra Carter; great-grandson Blake Brazell; great-granddaughter Cheyenne Floyd and her husband Matthew Floyd, along with their daughter, Steve’s great-great-granddaughter Gracie Mae; great-granddaughters Tiffany Carter, Madison Carter, Baylee Carter and Charleigh; great-grandson Robert Carter Jr.; and great-granddaughter Harli Witter, her husband Coadie Witter, and their children—Liam and Ashlynn. He is also survived by his niece and goddaughter, Paula Wrenn.
Steve Wrenn lived a life marked by service, integrity, and deep devotion to those he loved. He will be remembered for his strength, his kindness, and the quiet, steadfast way he made the world better for everyone around him.
A graveside funeral service will be Tuesday afternoon, July 15th, 2025, at 3:00 at Hazlehurst City Cemetery.

O’CONNOR .. .. .. Thomas Joseph O’Connor Jr., Captain, USN (Ret.) devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, fun-loving uncle and brother, proud naval officer, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully after a brief battle with lung cancer on July 7, 2025, in Fairfax, Virginia, surrounded by his loving family. Tom was 72 years young.
Born on February 20, 1953 in Annapolis, MD, Tom was the beloved son of the late Thomas J. O’Connor and Alice W. O’Connor, and brother of the late Lawrence J. O’Connor. The eldest son of 9 children, Tom’s sense of family extended well beyond his siblings; to all who knew him, he was a brother in every sense. Tom was a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Class of 1975, and went on to serve his country with honor and distinction over a remarkable 27-year career in the United States Navy. A patriotic submariner through and through, Tom served aboard five submarines: USS Tinosa (1977–1980), USS Trepang (1980–1983), USS Nathaniel Greene (1985–1986), and USS Providence (1986–1988), before becoming the commanding officer of the nuclear-powered USS Scranton (1991–1994). After retiring from the Navy in 2001, Tom joined the private sector as a program manager for Progeny Engineering Systems, and also served as an election official for Fairfax County.
On June 16, 1979, Tom married the love of his life, Jeanne Kridle O’Connor. For 46 years, their life together was his favorite adventure. Together, they built a family rooted in love, laughter, and tradition. He is survived by Jeanne, their three children—Jennifer O’Connor (Barry), Kaitlin O’Connor (Sean), and Thomas J. O’Connor III (Diana) and his cherished grandchildren: Henry and Molly Smoler, and Thomas J. O’Connor IV.
Tom was a man of many passions. A devout Catholic and lifelong learner, he held a deep appreciation for history, an avid love of books, and a remarkable gift for storytelling. His curiosity and thirst for knowledge never waned, and he shared his knowledge freely and joyfully with everyone around him. A true baseball fan, Tom never missed a chance to talk about his favorite sport.
Tom approached life with great care and intention. Meticulous in everything he did, he was singular in his attention to detail, organization, and neatness. But above all, Tom was unfailingly kind, quick to see the good in others, greeted everyone with a smile, and was never one to hold a grudge or complain.
Whether refereeing a soccer match, breaking down a Major League Baseball game, or orchestrating the family’s legendary March Madness pool, Tom infused everything he did with wit, humor, and heart. He loved any excuse for a family get-together, and throughout his life, considered his siblings and inlaws as his very best friends. Tom’s joyful disposition and gentle nature made him a favorite among the younger generation, who always knew they could count on their beloved “Grampy,” “Pookie,” or “Uncle Tom” for a laugh, a story, and unconditional love always.
Above all, Tom loved spending quality time with his wife, children, and grandchildren—his greatest joy and proudest legacy. He will be deeply missed by all who were lucky to know and love him.

SHIPMAN .. .. .. Thomas “Tom” Shipman, age 84, passed away peacefully in Topeka, Kansas, on July 9th, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of quiet steadfastness and skill.
A proud Navy veteran, Tom served aboard a submarine—an environment that demanded precision and unwavering resolve. He carried those traits into civilian life, bringing thoughtful care to everything he touched. Mechanically inclined, he had a gift for understanding the inner workings of machines—always fixing and creating things and finding joy in the challenge.
Tom was preceded in death by his son, Steven Shipman, and stepson, Todd Welch. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne; son, Jon Shipman (wife Sheryl); granddaughter, Sydney; stepdaughter, Shelly Maxwell; and numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.
He will be missed by those who understood the quiet way he moved through the world. No funeral is planned at this time. Celebration of life is being planned for a future date.

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