Kermit T. Mock, Jr.
Captain Kermit T. Mock, Jr. died on May 25, 2025 at 13:11.
Born on Aug. 28, 1933, in Millen, Ga., he was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Kermit T. Mock, Sr. He was a graduate of Millen High School, and received his BS Degree, with honors from Berry College, Rome, Ga. in 1955. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy, receiving his commission as a naval officer, surface warfare, in 1957. He received orders to the fleet aboard the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) as a gunnery officer, with underway bridge watch duties. The ship was deployed to the European Mediterranean area for an extended tour with the Sixth Fleet BattleGroup. After returning to the United States, he served several new assignments, including duties at the U.S. Naval Base, Charleston, SC. as Base First Lieutenant and prosecutor, Special Courts Martial. Additional duties included deployment aboard the submarine USS Clamagore, followed by duty aboard destroyers and minesweepers for naval officer training purposes. After release from active duty in 1961, Capt. Mock joined the Naval Reserve, Chattanooga, serving as commanding officer of four different commands, including Group Commander, Naval Forces, Commanding Officer Surface Warfare Division, and Commanding Officer Recruit Training. During his reserve tenure he was a graduate of two tours at the U.S. Naval War College, Newport, RI, and one tour at the U.S. Armed Forces Staff College, National Defense University, Norfolk, Va. He received a commendation from the commanding officer, U.S. Naval Warfare Center, Panama City, Fl., for the development of procurement directives for that installation, and a commendation from the Commandant, Readiness Command Eight for exemplary duty as Group Commander. Capt. Mock is a member of the Navy League of Greater Chattanooga, the Reserve Officers Association, and the Association of the Navy. He also was involved with the Armed Forces Day activities for several years. Capt. Mock's total military service was in excess of 32 years, retiring in July, 1987, with his honor Mayor Gene Roberts as guest speaker at the ceremonies.
Capt. Mock was employed as director of procurement for DeSoto, Inc., a major manufacturer of lighting fixtures, fireplace furnishing, and barbecue grills. He traveled extensively to the far east and Europe. In 1986, he became a managing partner of Royal, Inc., with the position of vice president, Materials Management and was a member of the board of directors. He retired in 1991 with 30 years of total service. He was a member of the Purchasing Managers Association in Chattanooga, and served as president in 1987.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Sherley Mock Cooper of Millen, Ga.
Capt. Mock is survived by his wife of 69 years, the former Joyce Burch of Chester, Ga; son, Gregory (Angela) Mock of Ringgold, daughter Dr. Terri (David) Marin of Augusta, Ga.; grandchildren, Nathan (Sarah) Mock, Payton Mock, Justin (Marshall) Mock, Lauren Mock, Abigail Marin; great-grandchildren, Colton Alan Mock, Chloe Kate Mock, Luella Ruby Mock; and several nieces and nephews.
Capt, Mock was a member of Ridgedale Baptist Church, the Harvest Sunday School Class, and was an ordained deacon.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, in the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. in the chapel with Pastor Michael Johnson officiating.
Interment will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, at the Chattanooga National Cemetery, 1200 Bailey Ave., Chattanooga, Tn. 37404.
Please share your thoughts and memories at: www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com.
Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 8214 East Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.