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Captain Allison James “Al” Holifield Jr., USN (Retired), passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on February 13th in Vero Beach, Florida. He was 85 years old.
Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Al was the son of Colonel Allison James Holifield Sr. and Sara Lott Holifield. He grew up in Sebring, Florida, where he developed a lifelong love for Corvettes and swamp buggies. But it was the call to serve that shaped his destiny. In 1957, he entered the United States Naval Academy, where he studied Nuclear Engineering and served in the 17th Company brigade. He graduated with honors in 1961, receiving his diploma from President John F. Kennedy.
Al went on to attend Nuclear Power and Submarine School in Groton, Connecticut, launching a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy. His early tours included service aboard the USS Dace (Sonar Officer, 1963–1966), USS Bancroft (Engineer Officer, 1966–1968), and USS Narwhal (Navigator/Operations Officer, 1970–1972).
Commanding submarines and leading their crews became his greatest passion. He had the distinct honor of commanding the NR-1 (1973–1976), where he played a critical role in the recovery of a Phoenix missile from the ocean floor—an event chronicled in the book Dark Waters. He later commanded the USS Pogy (1977–1979), taking his proud Navy family to Hawaii, followed by his final submarine command aboard the USS Ethan Allen (1979–1981).
His distinguished shore assignments included serving as Force Intelligence Officer at COMSUBPAC in Hawaii (1981-1984), Commanding Officer of the Naval Intelligence Support Center in Washington, D.C. (1984–1987), and Staff Director of the Defense Liaison Division at the Pentagon (1987–1991). After three decades of dedicated service, he retired from active duty in 1991.
Al’s commitment to service continued beyond the Navy. He led the complex closure and cleanup efforts of the nuclear weapons factory Rocky Flats Plant near Denver, Colorado (1991-1998), playing a key role in environmental restoration.
Al retired fully in Vero Beach, Florida, where he spent his days surrounded by family, friends, and golf. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he brought kindness, wisdom, and love to those around him. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Mugs; his three daughters, Buffie, Cristina, and Donna; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
A military funeral service will be held at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, in the coming months, where he will be honored for a lifetime of dedication to his country.
Fair winds and following seas, Captain.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2025 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Bob Shaw - Friend
February 16, 2025, 1:59 am
Dear Mugs and family, My deep sorrow to all of you. Al was an inspiration to his roommates and classmates at the Naval Academy. God bless you. Bob Shaw, 17th Company and roommate. Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Douglas William Cowhill - Friend
February 20, 2025, 5:08 pm
I am so saddened to hear of Captain “Al” Holifield, Jr.’s passing. My father VADM William J. Cowhill regarded Al as a friend, colleague and equal! I remember growing up with the Holifield family, and most especially the very close bond that Mugs and my beloved mother Jennifer shared. I remember swimming in your pool, while all of us were stationed in Hawaii! I remember the earlier years as well up and down the eastern seaboard, as our fathers protected the nation. Mike, Joe, Robin, I and new members of the Cowhill clan are all located in North Florida, why we haven’t met up until now, is only curious and unfortunate. My dearest sympathies to you all, Mugs, Buffe, Christina, Donna et al. Your father took me and my twin brother on our only dependence cruise aboard the USS Pogy out of Pearl Harbor. It is a memory etched in my mind forever! God Bless CAPT Al Holifield and he will rest in peace!