Philip Nelson Searles

Captain Philip Nelson Searles, United States Navy, Retired, died February 24, 2015 at the age of 92. He was born at the easternmost point of the United States in the lightkeeper's house at West Quoddy Head Lighthouse in Lubec, Maine.

After graduating from the Maine Maritime Academy, he embarked upon a 30-year career in the United States Navy's Submarine Force, spanning World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He was highly decorated and served in many locations throughout his career including New London, Connecticut, San Diego, California, Key West, Florida and Gosport, England.

After retiring from the Navy, he served as Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce in Clermont, Florida before his final retirement in 1984. At the time of his death, he resided at the Oaks on Parkwood retirement community in Bessemer, Alabama.

He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Edith Searles; his brother, Merville Searles; his sister, Ada Smith; and his loving wife of 57 years, Lillian Marie Searles.

Survivors include his daughter, Suzanne Garner (Robert) of Pelham, Alabama; granddaughter, Jessica Johnson (Nathan) of Huntsville, Alabama; granddaughter, Abigail Garner of New York, New York; great-grandson, Eli Johnson of Huntsville; and numerous nephews and nieces.

There was a private graveside service for Captain Searles, USN Ret. at Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo on February 27, 2015. Reverend John Ray officiated.