Wycliffe David Toole Jr.

1927 - 2019

Wycliffe David Toole, Jr.

Keystone Heights, FL

Rear Admiral Wycliffe David Toole, Jr, USN (Retired), 91, passed away peacefully among family, on Saturday, November 24. Born in Augusta, Georgia March 14, 1927. RADM Toole lived a fast-paced and exciting life. Enlisted with US Navy V-12 unit active duty on July 1, 1944. Graduated Naval War College, MS in International Affairs, U.S. Naval Intelligence School, Naval Flight Training Program receiving his wings in 1951. He flew patrol squadrons all around the world including the Middle East, finally joining the Airborne Early Warning Squadron, the Navy's "Hurricane Hunters." Subsequent commands included Iceland and Southeast Asia. As Commanding Officer of the USS Iwo Jima, RADM Toole was presented the Bronze Star Medal, and as a Flag Officer in command of the 7th Fleet Amphibious Forces the Legion of Merit for directing combat operations off the coast of North Vietnam. RADM Toole held three commands simultaneously in the United States--Commander of the Philadelphia Naval Base, Commandant of the Naval Districts in Philadelphia, New York, and Boston. RADM Toole had two legions of Merit and the Order of the Cloud and Banner from the Republic of China. Wyc was author of a mystery novel, several published articles on military affairs, and as short story master suspense-builder of Alfred Hitchcock and Mike Shayne's Mystery Magazines. Wyc is survived by Patricia D. Toole, his loving wife; children Debra Fromang (David), Davi Toole, Dana Franks (Roy), and Patrick W. Toole; grandchildren, Richard, Victoria, Sean David, Raymond Wycliffe, Davis; great-grandson, Owen; sister, Betty Clavier. Predeceased by sons Wycliffe McGregor Toole, David Robert Louis III, and grandson Wycliffe Hines Wolters. Military Funeral Honors will be held at Jacksonville National Cemetery.