Scott L. Sears

Warrensville, N.C. - RADML, USN (Ret.) Scott L. Sears, passed away peacefully at his home in Warrensville on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Systems Atrophy.

Rear Admiral Sears was born on June 12, 1945 in Cleburne, Texas. He graduated from The Kincaid School in Houston and was admitted to the U.S. Naval Academy in the summer of 1962. He graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1966 with bachelor of science degrees in physics and economics. He completed Naval Submarine School in 1966 in Groton and subsequently served aboard the USS Barbel as supply officer and USS Gudgeon as communicator. Both submarines were home-ported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. From 1970 to 1971, he attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a Burke Scholar and graduated with a master of science degree in electrical engineering as well as a professional engineering degree in electrical engineering. After attending Naval Nuclear Power School in Bainbridge, Md., he served aboard the USS Spadefish as the weapons officer and the USS Flying Fish as the navigator in Norfolk, Va. Aboard the USS Henry L. Stimson in Charleston, S.C., he served as executive officer. From 1980 to 1982, he led the Plans, Programs and Advanced Systems Section on the Chief of Naval Operations staff at the Pentagon. From 1983 to 1986, he commanded USS Albuquerque, home-ported in Groton, after which he became deputy commander for Training and Operations of Submarine Squadron Seventeen at Sub Base Bangor, Wash. He returned to the Chief of Naval Operations staff at the Pentagon in 1989 and oversaw the Tactical Weapons Branch. In 1989, he was assigned to Naval Sea Systems Command Headquarters as program manager for the development of the combat system for the next-generation attack submarine, Seawolf. He was selected to flag rank as an acquisition professional in January 1991. From 1992 until his retirement in 1995, he was commander, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Newport, R.I. Admiral Sears was also a graduate of Duke University's School of Business, advanced management program and the national defense university capstone program. Personal awards include two Legion of Merits, three Meritorious Service Medals, two Navy Commendation Medals and two Navy Achievement Medals.

In 1995 upon completion of his tour as commander of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, he retired from the Navy. Following employment at AT&T, General Dynamics, and Raytheon, he retired to Ashe County, N.C. Wanting to serve the community where he had chosen to retire, Rear Admiral Sears was active on the county and regional library boards, served as a member of the Blue Ridge Electric Membership Advisory Committee, volunteered as a coordinator for the county's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, and was a founding member of the Ashe County Frescoes Foundation where he was a past president. For two consecutive years, he was a volunteer helping spearhead the Ashe County Armed Forces Tribute. Additionally he was a docent at Holy Trinity Church in Glendale Springs, a member of the Episcopal Foundation in Asheville, and a volunteer at Mountain Hearts. He also served as a charter member and the senior-ranking officer of the New River Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America.

Rear Admiral Sears was preceded in death by his father, Lt. Col. Redford D. Sears, USMC (Ret.)

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Sears, of Warrensville, N.C.; his mother, Margaret Sears, of West Jefferson, N.C.; his brother, John Sears and his wife, Gabriele, of Fleetwood, N.C.; his son, Paul Sears of San Diego, Calif.; and his daughter, Kathryn Lavigueur and her husband, Antoine, of Newport, R.I.; and five grandchildren, Tori and Zachary Sears of San Diego, Calif. and Beatrix, Billy, and Luc Lavigueur of Newport, R.I.

Rear Admiral Sears enjoyed sailing, reading, and the beauty that Ashe County offers, but above all, he enjoyed time spent with his children and grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at the visitation from 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012, at the Boone Family Funeral Home with a service at Holy Trinity Church in Glendale Springs, N.C. at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012. Inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Parish of the Holy Communion, P.O. Box 177, Glendale Springs, NC 28629.