GLENDALE, Ariz. –
Everett Freemont Rollins Jr. passed away on August 22, 2021 with his family by his side.

He was born in Bingham on April 3, 1934 to the late Everett and Barbara Rollins. Everett graduated from the Maine Maritime Academy, received his merchant marine license as a Third Engineer Steam and Diesel and was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy in 1955. While in Pensacola, Fla., attending U.S. Naval flight training, he met the beautiful Regina Walke, they married on Oct. 20, 1956.

Everett received his wings of gold as a Naval Aviator in 1957. As a naval aviator, Everett flew many different aircraft during his career including the SNJ, T-28, F-9, T-33, A-1, A-3, A-4, A-6, EA-6B, S-2, and C-12. He served in the Mediterranean during the 1958 Lebanon crisis. Later, after attending post graduate school at George Washington University, he was an instructor in the Engineering Department at the U.S. Naval Academy.

During the Vietnam War, Everett flew over 500 combat missions in the A-3, A-6, and EA-6B and was the commanding officer of VAQ-132 where he piloted the first combat mission for the EA-6B. He graduated from the U.S. Naval War College. Everett was the commanding officer of the aircraft carrier Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42). He was the commanding officer of the Navy and Marine Corps Reserve Center in Phoenix. After spending a year in Arabic language school, Everett’s final active duty assignment was as the U.S. Naval Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, Egypt.

He retired from the Navy as a captain (O-6) with 33 years of military service. His military awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, two Meritorious Service Medals, 20 Air Medals, two Commendation Medals with combat “V”, numerous other awards including the Vietnam service medal with seven service stars.

Everett’s second career was with TCOM, LP as a project manager, site manager, flight director and trainer for the Aerostat surveillance system for almost 20 years. During this time, he spent two years as flight director aboard an Aerostat vessel in the Caribbean. Other locations in various capacities include the Bahamas, Abu Dhabi, UAE, Israel, Italy, Yuma, Ariz., Sierra Vista, Ariz., Deming, N.M., Cross City, Fla., Lafayette, La., El Paso, Texas, and other aerostat sites along the U.S. southern border.

Everett was a volunteer and member of the Advisory Board for the Salvation Army in Glendale, Ariz. and a member of the First United Methodist Church of Glendale, Ariz. for 40 years. A strong believer he supported various Christian ministries around the world including Open Doors which works to support those who are persecuted for their Christian faith and distributing Bibles to those who otherwise would not have access to one.

Everett was the recipient of the BSA Order of the Arrow Founders award for personifying the spirit of selfless service.

He is survived by his wife of over 64 years, Regina; six children retired Captain Everett Rollins III USCG, Jon (Karla) Rollins, Lisa (Joseph) Fraley, Kathi (William) Walp, Geneva Johnsen, and Thomas (Sarah) Rollins; brother, Christopher Rollins, sister, Jeanette (Robert) Jacques; 22 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, a brother, Reginald, preceded him in death.

Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Friday, Sept. 10, from 10 to 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Glendale, 7102 N. 58th Dr., Glendale, Ariz. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Burial with full military honors will take place in Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta on Sept. 17, at 10 a.m.