John Ernest Navarre Jr.

Commander John E. Navarre Jr., 75, of Awendaw, SC entered into eternal rest with his family by his side on Friday, January 6, 2017. He was born on Tuesday, July 8, 1941 in Delray, MI to the late Mrs. Harriett Navarre and the late Mr. John Ernest Navarre Sr. John was a graduate of St. Patrick’s High School in Wyandotte Michigan. While at St. Patrick's he was the star quarterback of the Varsity Football Team. He graduated from University of Detroit with a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, and a minor in History. Within a few months after his graduation John received his draft notice from The US Army. He opted to enlist in the US Navy instead. In 1965 and 1966, John served back to back deployments in the Western Pacific and Vietnam. In 1974 Navarre transitioned to the P-3 Orion community, where he earned his wings as a Navy Flight Officer (NFO). In all Commander Navarre gave 24 years of service to his country. Also in 1974 John went to work for his father installing carpet and vinyl flooring. John quickly discovered he had a knack for sales which led him to employment opportunities in Charlotte North Carolina and then eventually Charleston South Carolina. In all he spent 35 years in the flooring industry. He was an avid reader, He enjoyed Writing The “Local Hero's Distant Echos” column for the Moultrie News, He loved walking on the beach with his dog Nimitz and his daily exercise program at the Mt. Pleasant Senior Center. His family will remember him as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his loving wife, Ann J. Whalen, of Awendaw, SC; son, John E. Navarre, of Ramona, CA; sisters, Gail Schaefer, of Plymouth, MI, Nanette Gordon, of Berea, KY, His Twin sister, Jane Mahalak (Ralph), of Miami, FL and Mary Wiggen (Dan), of Palm Coast, FL; grandchildren; his therapy dog, Nimitz; and many loving nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, first wife, Bonnie K. Navarre; son, Louis A. Navarre; brother, George Navarre; sister, Geraldine Navarre. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464. Rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Stella Maris Catholic Church, 1204 Middle Street, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482 on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to: Hospice of Charleston, 676 Wando Park Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464, or American Parkinson Disease Association, Parkinson Plaza 135 Parkinson Avenue, Staten Island NY 10305-1424. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.McAlister-Smith.comwww.McAlister-Smith.com . Arrangements have been entrusted to MCALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, MT PLEASANT CHAPEL, 1520 RIFLE RANGE ROAD, MT PLEASANT, SC (843) 884-3833.