Gary Gale George, age 81, of Jacksonville, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, December 29, 2020.

He was born July 28, 1939 in Nevada, Missouri, to the late Gale and Nancy George.

After graduating from high school, Gary enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served worldwide as a C-130E Flight Engineer. He was a Vietnam combat veteran earning three Distinguished Flying Crosses and twelve air Medals along with three Veteran Service Medals. After retiring in 1978, he continued his C-130 duties for ten years as a Lockheed employee in Saudi Arabia. Upon his return to Central Arkansas, he worked for the United States Postal Service for ten years. In 1999, he began another career as a skilled wood craftsman in his own backyard shop. Hundreds of his beautiful curios and knickknacks were turned out by his skilled hands.

During the last twenty years, he continued an active patriotic life by working with The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Troop Carrier/Tactical Airlift Association and especially the Distinguished Flying Cross Society, serving as the Vice President for Plans and Programs for the Ira Eaker Chapter of the DFC Society. He organized and carried out many events such as parades, graveside services, picnics, Christmas dinners, and LRAFB Retiree Appreciation events. He was active in these patriotic activities until his death.

In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Elizabeth George, and several siblings.

Survivors include his children, Gerri George, and Roy George, eleven grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home. A visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday, January 11, 2021 at the funeral home. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Ira Eaker Chapter of the Distinguished Cross Flying Cross Society. Arrangements by Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home, (501) 982-2136.