Hubert Ellis Strange Jr.

CDR Hubert Ellis "Doc" Strange Jr., died Friday, March 8 after an extended illness. He was born Dec. 23, 1929, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to Admiral Hubert E. and Jean McDougal Strange. His father's naval career took the family around the world. He graduated in 1947 from Westmont High School, in Johnstown. He attended one year at Severn Prep, in Annapolis, Maryland. Following in his father's footsteps, he attended the U.S. Naval Academy, where he graduated in 1952. He spent 26 years serving in the Navy after graduation. Upon retirement from the Navy in 1975, he was part of the team that opened FLETC, where he worked for a number of years.

While at the Naval Academy, Doc won the coveted Naval Academy Blanket, an award given for earning five major varsity letters. This award is given to only 20 members of the graduating class. He was named to the All-American Lacrosse Team while at the Naval Academy. His love of sports continued throughout his life. He was a member of both Sea Island and Sea Palms, on St. Simons Island, where he won numerous tennis and golf tournaments. At one point, he was ranked No. 2 in the South in tennis. He was Sea Island Senior Golf Champion on several occasions. He passed on his love of sports to his children and grandchildren. He felt very fortunate to live and play on beautiful St. Simons Island, where he made many friends and acquaintances through his sports.

Doc married Rosalyn "Rose" Blimmel Strange in 1952. They were married for 65 years before her death in April 2018. He was also preceded in death by his parents; and a son, William Hubert "Willie" Strange."

Doc is survived by his son, Robert Ellis Strange (Patti); and his daughter, Julia S. Chase (Kevin), all of St. Simons Island; a daughter-in-law, Phyllis Strange of Darien; and his brother, Malcolm Strange of Kissimmee, Florida. He is also survived by grandchildren, Robbie Strange (Paige) and Emily Baxter (Brent), all of St. Simons Island, Julia "Ellis" Chase of Boulder, Colorado, and John "Mackie" Chase (Casey) of Sierra Vista, Arizona, Brian Swann (Kay) of Charleston, South Carolina, and Kristen Burden (Bryan) of Richmond Virginia; great-grandchildren, Thomas and Ellis Strange, both of St. Simons Island, Walt and Meris Baxter, both of Savannah, Allie and Jake Swann, both of Charleston, and Isebelle and Amelia Burden, both of Richmond, VA.

Doc spent the last year of his life at Vitality Living Frederica, where he reunited with old friends, made many new friends and enjoyed playing bridge and socializing. Thank you to the staff and wonderful caregivers who took care of him during this time.

At Doc's request, a private family service and celebration will be held at a later date.

Memorials can be made in his name to the Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia, 4627 U.S. Highway 17, Brunswick, GA 31525, or Georgia Hospice Care, 777 Gloucester St., Suite 303, Brunswick, GA 31520.