Retired Captain William "Bill" Carey of the United States Navy lost his battle with cancer, Tuesday, November 26, 2019. Bill passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family.
Bill was born on March 28, 1953, to Dorothy and Hugh Carey in Rantoul, Illinois. The eldest of five brothers, Bill grew up in Fairborn, Ohio.
Bill had a passion for flying and after graduating college he was accepted to the Naval Aviation program, in Pensacola, Florida. During his 28-year career he received his masters degree from the US Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, and then was selected to be the Commanding Officer of VS 31. He was later selected for a major command position, as the Commander of the Sea Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, the command wing for all operational S-3 "Viking" aircraft on the U.S. East Coast, located at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida. Captain Carey finished his Naval career in 2004 as Deputy Chief of Naval Air Training in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Bill continued to serve his country as a civilian, working for L-3 Vertex as the General manager of Naval Programs in Madison, Mississippi. Bill and his wife, Mary Carey, returned to the Jacksonville area in 2014 to be closer to their family.
We can proudly say that Bill made lasting impressions on everyone he met with his charisma, which was only surpassed by the size of his heart. His energy, kindness, and zest for life are what his family and friends will remember the most.
Bill will be forever loved by his wife, Mary Paul Carey; his children, Mindy Ann Carey, William Mathew Carey; stepchildren, Jessica Carnes (Davy), Jim Williams (Nikki); his brothers, David Carey, James Carey, John Carey (Heather), and Robert Carey; and his grandchildren, Liam and Bella Carnes, Cara, Spencer, and Andrew Williams.
A Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 4, 2019, from 3-6 pm at Ponte Vedra Valley. A Graveside Service will be held Thursday, December 5, 2019, 11 am at Jacksonville National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
