Max Fly

Retired Master Chief Petty Officer Max Bolton Fly passed away peacefully surrounded by his beloved wife, Rose Fly, and his children, on June 9, 2016. Max was born January 04, 1950, in Odessa, TX, to the late Max H. Fly and Bobbie R. Whitley Kelly. He was educated in Texas, graduating high school from Flower Grove High School in 1968 before entering Ranger Junior College on a track scholarship. Max enlisted in the Navy in 1970.

Max was a proud veteran, serving 24 years in the US Navy including deployments in support of Vietnam. Max not only made deployments aboard surface ships, he later transitioned to the "Silent Service," earning his submarine warfare qualification (Dolphins). As a submariner, Max served aboard USS NEREUS (AS 19), USS PAUL REVERE (LPA 248), USS LEWIS & CLARK (SSBN 644), USS JAMES MADISON (SSBN 627) and the USS FRANK CABLE (AS-40). Max's primary specialty was as a Personnelman. Throughout his distinguished career Max's duty stations included: San Diego, Kingsville, Charleston, Amarillo, and New Orleans. Some of his military decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (2nd award), Navy Good Conduct Medal (6th award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), Vietnam Service Medal with one campaign star, Humanitarian Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal, Expert Rifle Shot Medal, Expert Pistol Shot Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation with Gallantry Cross.
Following his retirement from the Navy in 1994, Max continued his studies at Odessa College and The University of Texas of the Permian Basin where he received his Bachelor of Science in Biology.

Max was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and fish, making trips to Alaska, Montana, Colorado, Canada and New Mexico, as well as numerous trips to the Rio Grande River. Max also had a passion for cooking and spent many hours cooking for family and friends. When he wasn't outdoors or in the kitchen, he could be found sitting in his recliner watching the Texas Longhorns! He enjoyed the Texas Longhorns football and basketball teams as well as the Tennessee Lady Vols. He had high respects for former coach Pat Summitt.

Max Fly was proud of his family and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, sharing many precious moments with his granddaughter, Jazlene Aguilar Fly, whom he helped raise. He lived to see his dream, The Fly Ranch, accomplished. Max and Rose shared many adventures in life. Rose feels blessed to have been able to share in his journey here on earth.

Max's memories will be cherished by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Rose Fly; four sons, Cody Fly (and wife Keesha), Travis Fly, Aaron Davis (like a son and wife Jolene), Anson Yam (like a son); two daughters, Angela Ramirez, Jessica Weeks (and husband Bruce), Evelyn Lujan (like a daughter); two brothers, Mark Fly (and wife Gena), Matt Fly (and Chris); one sister, Doris Renee Davis; and 9 grandchildren, Cade, Cody Brock, Jazlene, Jessie, Colton, Kadyn, Trystan; Vianey and Ricardo (like grandchildren).

Services for Max Bolton Fly, 66, of Clyde, TX, will be held on Monday, June 20, 2016, at 2:00 pm at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Temple with Pastor Gabriel Cleveland officiating. Burial will be held at the Fort Sam Houston Veterans Cemetery in San Antonio, TX, on Wednesday, June 22, 2016, at 2:00 pm with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to Rose Fly for the funding of the funeral.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:00 am-2:00 pm Monday, June 20, 2016, with the service to follow.

Visitation

HarperTalasek Funeral Home
500 W. Barton Ave.
Temple, TX  76501
Monday, June 20, 2016
9:00-2:00pm

Service

HarperTalasek Funeral Home
500 West Barton Avenue
Temple, TX  76501
Monday, June 20, 2016
2:00pm

Cemetery

Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, TX  78209