Searle Highleyman

Highleyman
Searle F. "Cy" Highleyman, Lieutenant Commander, USN Retired, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 24, 2021. He was a longtime resident of Jacksonville, Florida, and was the son of Frank and Nelle Searle Highleyman. He was the grandson of the Searle Family, pioneers in Ogallala, Nebraska, and great-nephew of Rector Searle, who was a pioneer in the early days of aviation. Cy earned his pilot's license in a J-3 Piper Cub, at 16 years of age, at Searle Field, in Ogallala, Nebraska.
Mr. Highleyman attended the University of Nebraska, 1 year, 1946 -1947, prior to receiving his congressional appointment to the United States Naval Academy, from Nebraska. He graduated in the Class of 1951. After graduation, he was assigned to Aviation School in Pensacola, Florida, where he earned his wings in 1953. He flew F9-Fs, and photo planes, F8U-1P and A3D-2-P. From 1956 -1959, Cy taught advanced flight training at NAS Kingsville, Texas. During his naval career, Cy graduated from Aviation Safety Officers School, and Aviation Photographic School, and served on cruisers and carriers. He received the Korean and Vietnam Service Medals. Cy retired from the United States Navy as a Lieutenant Commander in 1971, at NAS Jacksonville.
Cy spent his civilian career briefly as an occupational specialist with Duval County, then as a Safety Specialist for 16 years with the Duval County School Board, retiring in August 1990.
He was a member of Victory Baptist Church for many years before joining Southside Baptist Church, January 18, 2009. Cy was an avid sailor and participated in many of the St. Johns River races, winning trophies in his Catalina 22, Hi-Time II, with his wife," Millie Jean". Mr. Highleyman was a member of The United States Naval Academy Alumni Association, US Naval Institute, Association of Naval Aviation, Military Officers Association of America, and both the NorthEast and Mayport Chapters; The National Chapter of The Navy League and both the Jacksonville and Mayport Chapters, Jacksonville Historical Society, and the San Marco Preservation Society. Mr. Highleyman was a member of many other civic and charitable organizations.
Cy is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Mildred Pittman Highleyman; one daughter, Susan Aaron and her husband, Larry; one son, Scott Highleyman, and his wife, Emily. Five grandchildren, Russell Aaron and his wife, Lynnette Aaron, Rachel Aaron Stillwell and her husband, Joey, and Louise, Jake and Nell Highleyman. Two great-grandsons, King Richardson and Mason Stillwell. One sister, Patricia Ann Johnson, nieces and nephews, Barbara Kay Wiener, Laurie Johnson, Beverly, and Tom Kolins, Frank and Leslie Johnson, Ron and Leesa Gilliard, Ron and Mary Green, Kelli and Art Micheel, and many very special great-nieces and nephews. Mr. Highleyman was predeceased by his parents, daughter Julia Highleyman, and son, Mark Highleyman.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
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