Vernon Burnett Millsap Jr.

Commander Vernon Burnett Millsap, Jr., USN (Ret) died March 19, 2018 in Mobile, Alabama. He was born November 27, 1952 at the Mobile Infirmary to Vernon Burnett Millsap and Barbara Kemp Millsap and spent most of his childhood in Evergreen, Alabama.

He was a graduate of the University of Georgia and a dedicated fan of the Georgia Bulldogs. Commander Millsap received a master’s degree from Old Dominion University. He will be remembered by family and friends for his love of cooking and grilling. An avid golfer and fisherman, he enjoyed being on a course or by a stream or in the woods.

For most of his adult life he was a Naval officer, the career most dear to his heart. He had duty stations in Newport, RI, Panama City, FL, San Diego, CA, Groton, CT, Jacksonville, FL, Honolulu, HI, and Norfolk, VA. His family which includes 2 “Navy Juniors” followed enthusiastically wherever the Navy directed him. Commander Millsap was a Diving and Salvage Officer and Surface Warfare Officer and was the recipient of numerous Navy medals, awards, and commendations. He was proud of his assignment as the Commanding Officer of USS Grasp (ARS-51) out of Little Creek Amphibious Base in Virginia.

Commander Millsap also served aboard USS Duluth (LPD-6), USS Sunbird (ASR-15) and USS Reclaimer (ARS-42). Following his retirement, Commander Millsap and family moved to Mobile, Alabama where he became a Navy ROTC instructor for a number of years.

He is survived by spouse Lori Vick Millsap, daughter Nellie Millsap Thompson and her husband Jonathan of Atlanta, Georgia and son Cullen Vick Millsap and wife Andi (Cox) of Daphne, Alabama; granddaughters Reese Anne and Celia Emory (due March 28) Thompson and Lila Hill Millsap. Survivors also include sister Anne Millsap Rowe and husband Don of Midway, Georgia; sister Kathy Millsap Thompson and husband Terry of Kingston, Georgia; and many dear nephews and great nephews. Commander Millsap is preceded in death by his parents Vernon and Barbara.

A Memorial Service and Mass will be announced when arrangements have been determined.