Devere Pyatte Jr.

Devere Pyatte Jr.,USN Ret., died peacefully at his home on Friday, Feb.27,2015, surrounded with love from his family. He was born on October 19, 1927 in Pyatte, NC to Devere and Lillian (Crowe) Pyatte Sr., both deceased. Devere Jr. was the oldest of 3 children- brother Jack (deceased), and a sister Jean (Bill) TX. Devere's wife Elizabeth of 59 years predeceased him in January 2009.

Devere Pyatte joined the US Navy in WWII, at 15 years of age, proudly serving his country for 30 years. As a retired Naval Officer Devere was active with several WWII Submarine Veterans associations, both local and international chapters. His Navy service also included deep sea diving in submarine search/rescue/repair and he was a member of the Divers Veterans associations. He was invited to participate and serve in these organizations and loved travelling the country and the world to share his experiences.

Devere, our Dad, will be missed by his family - daughters Mary Christine (Tom Dussault) MA, Breda Anne (deceased), Nancy Jean (Hardy Padgett) FL, sons Gerard Joseph FL, G.Michael (Brenda Assang) FL, grandchildren Justin Schultz (Erin) FL, Joseph Schultz (Sarah) FL, James Percy MI, Malia Percy FL, Ashley Pyatte GA,Nathan Rodriguez MA, great grandchildren Sami-Jo and Brandon Percy MI, Braydon Raines FL, Everleigh Schultz FL, and many nieces and nephews. Devere Pyatte delivers his last salute to his good friend and neighbor Jim, his devoted Navy buddies Charlie and John, and he dedicates his last song to all his Tuesday nights music friends.

"Long ago I was a sailor. I sailed the ocean blue. I knew the bars in Singapore, the coastline of Peru. I knew well the sting of salt spray, the taste of Spanish wine, the beauty of the Orient...yes, all these things were mine. But I wear a different hat now, no tie and no jacket too. My sailing days were long ago, with that life I am through. But somewhere deep inside me the sailor lives there too. He longs to go to sea again, but knows he never will. My love, my life, is here at home and I will leave here never. Though mind and body stay ashore, my heart's at sea forever!"

Burial at the National Cemetery in Jacksonville, date pending. Memorial celebration scheduled at later date. Memorial contributions can be made in the name of Devere Pyatte Jr. to Community Hospice.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Greenlawn Funeral Home.