Danny Hugh Locklear passed away on April 16, 2018. He was born to Jake Locklear and Pearlie Clark Locklear on September 12, 1936, in Robeson County, North Carolina. He graduated from Pembroke High School, Pembroke, NC, at age seventeen; and enlisted in the U.S. Navy immediately after his eighteenth birthday and served honorably for eight years. His most memorable experience while in the Navy was his participation in Operation Hardtack l in 1958 in the Marshall Islands. Hardtack was a joint exercise by the Army, Navy, Air Force and Atomic Energy Commission, the purpose of which was weapons development and the study of blast and radiation effects from the explosion of atomic bombs. From these test came the warhead of choice for the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, torpedo’s and other weapon systems. Danny traveled the world over during his tenure in the Navy. From the United States going West to Thailand and from the United States going East to Bombay, India.
Danny ended his Naval service in December 1962 shortly after the Cuban Missile Crisis. While attached to the Naval Technical Training Center, Corry Station, he met Jo Charline Barnes who became his wife, lover and best friend for 53 years. After discharge from the Navy he was soon employed by the Public Works Department, NAS Whiting Field, Milton, Fl. Where he held several positions including Inspector of Naval Shore Establishment Boilers, Utilities Foreman, Utilities Division Director, station Environmental Coordinator and Energy Engineer. He retired after 29 years of service, receiving a Meritorious service award for his last ten years of service.
Danny was preceded in death by his son Tony in 1983, his dad in 1990, his mom in 1995, his brother Gene in 2002, and his wife Charline in 2015.
He is survived by daughter Angelia James (Randy) and son Randal Locklear (Alex) and seven grandchildren: Joseph Miller, Alexandra Miller, Shelley James, Jacob Locklear, Justin Locklear, Susanna Locklear and MacKinlay Hugh Locklear.
After retirement he launched a second career on golf courses from Biloxi, Mississippi, to Panama City, Florida, ultimately attaining a level of superior play for recreational golfers and winning many trophies. Known by many nicknames including Disco Dan, Big D, and Dynamite, Danny will always be remembered fondly and missed by his friends and family both on and off the golf course.
The family would like to express special gratitude for the excellent support and care given by The Woodlands Group especially Drs. Wolters and Owera, their staff, and the Infusion Center team.
Arrangements are being handled by Lewis Funeral Home in Milton. Visitation will be held 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at Lewis Funeral Home in Milton. The funeral service will be officiated by Pastor Frederick Barrow on Thursday, April 19, at 11:00 a.m., also at Lewis. Burial service will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday. Pallbearers include Robert Amos, Melvin Davis, Frank Dittrick, Paul Geise, Wayne McMurray, and Tommy Welch.
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This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Danny Hugh Locklear