“Forever Loved, Never Forgotten”
The Navy Gold Star Program is eternally grateful for the sacrifice of those Service Members who have died in service to our country. To help us to never forget, we have set up this tribute page to honor and remember the memory of those lives. If you would like to honor the memory of your Sailor, Soldier, Marine, Airman or Coast Guardsman through the Navy Gold Star website please submit your thoughts and a photo.
Washburn William Wear III, of Ocala, Florida passed away unexpectedly on May 23, 2024. Washburn was born in West Palm Beach, Florida on December 29th, 1999. Washburn grew up in Ocala, Florida, where he graduated from Belleview High School in 2018. Washburn lettered in wrestling, weightlifting, football, golf and was in ROTC. He was a proud member of 4-H and loved showing steers.
Washburn then went on to Florida State University for two semesters. In 2019, Washburn enlisted in the United States Navy. He went to boot camp in February of 2019 and after earning the Top Marksman award for his graduating class, he graduated in May of 2019. Washburn achieved the rank of Petty Officer Third Class (E-4) in 2022 and eventually was promoted to Petty Officer Second Class,
(E-5) in 2024. As a Naval Aircrewman Mechanical (AWF), Washburn was a valued member of the VR-58 squadron, The Sunseekers, at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida.
Washburn then went on to Florida State University for two semesters. In 2019, Washburn enlisted in the United States Navy. He went to boot camp in February of 2019 and after earning the Top Marksman award for his graduating class, he graduated in May of 2019. Washburn achieved the rank of Petty Officer Third Class (E-4) in 2022 and eventually was promoted to Petty Officer Second Class,
(E-5) in 2024. As a Naval Aircrewman Mechanical (AWF), Washburn was a valued member of the VR-58 squadron, The Sunseekers, at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida.