More detail on this person: Laurie O. "Bubba" Segrest, Jr. CHARLESTON - Bubba Segrest entered eternal rest on Monday, September 12, 2022 at home surrounded by his family. His Funeral Service will be at 12:00 Noon Thursday, September 15, 2022 in the James A. McAlister Chapel, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery on James Island. Bubba was born February 23, 1947 in Charleston to Laurie O'Dell Segrest and Anne S. Coulter. He graduated from St. Andrew's High School and attended the Baptist College of Charleston. Bubba served with distinction in the Army from 1967 to 1970. A graduate of the US Army Officers Candidate, Parachute (Airborne), Ranger and Flight Schools, he rose rapidly to the rank of Captain. Bubba enlisted in the Army and was wounded twice flying helicopters in Vietnam. He was a highly decorated and respected Huey Troop Transport Pilot and an Attack Helicopter (Gunship) pilot. Serving honorably and bravely as an Infantry Officer with the 121st Assault Helicopter Company in Vietnam in 1968, despite being seriously wounded himself, Bubba was credited with saving the life of his aircraft commander after their helicopter was shot down and crashed. In 1969, Bubba was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart for bravery during an aerial attack on enemy positions, where he was shot in the knee and hand and lost much use of his right hand. Captain Segrest's military awards include the Bronze Star, the Purple heart, the Combat Air medal with 17 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, the National Defense Service Medal and others. At a young age, he worked at the Magnolia Drive-In and Felder Cotton Drug Store while playing football at St. Andrew's High School to eventually becomming a homebuilder and started Charms of Charleston Bus Tours. On February 20, 1964, he met Betty Dolan. Bubba and Betty became high school sweethearts and were married on December 16, 1967. They were lifelong companions for 54 years. Bubba will especially be remembered for his devotion to family, love of our country and fighting to the very end of his life. He was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Amy. Bubba is survived by his wife, Betty, his daughter, Robin (Michael) Owens, his grandchildren, Michael C. Owens, Jr. (Bo), Dolan S. Owens and Mark E. Owens, a brother, Jeff (Kristina) Coulter, a sister, Cindy (Steve) Bellavita, brothers-in-law, Chuck (Pam) Dolan, Clay Dolan and loved nieces, nephews as well as many friends. Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Sep. 13 to Sep. 14, 2022.
Burial information: Holy Cross Cemetery
This information was last updated 09/15/2022
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Date posted on this site: 10/13/2025
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