George, Wilbur's Obituary
I George Ill was born in Chicago Illinois during Nov 1945 to Wilbur I George Il of Chicago Illinois and Willie Mae Talley originally from Atlanta Georgia. His parents met while his father was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia, amid WWll and were married in Atlanta during 1945. After WWII was over they moved as a family back to Illinois. Then were divorced in 1947 when Willie and her son moved back to Atlanta, Georgia to be with her mother/grandmother Hatie.
Wilbur Graduated from Tumer High School in 1963. During High School he was a member of the band and participated in musical Air Force in April 1966.
performances. His favorite instruments were the violin and guitar. He attended college locally in Atlanta and worked, until he joined the After Basic Training, he was sent to tech school for Aircraft Fuel System Repair, upon completion he was sent for specialized raining for Fuel Cell Repair for F-105 Aircraft. He supported the Vietnam War effort from three locations for the next three years: first tour was in Thailand, the second tour in Itazuke AB, Japan, and a third tour in Okinawa, Japan. He received The Vietnam Service Metal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with three bronze stars. He was then assigned from 1969 to 1977 to McGuire AFB as an Aircraft/ Bombardment Maintenance Technician deploying as Crew Chief on numerous missions worldwide.
In 1980 Capt George was selected for promotion to 2nd Lieutenant, upon completing Officer Training School, he was subsequently sent to Air Training Command-Aircraft Maintenance Officer Course, and upon completion he was assigned to Dover Air Force Base as an Aircraft/Bombardment Maintenance Officer. In this capacity he deployed as the Senior Maintenance Officer to worldwide locations to support exercises and contingency operations.
From 1984 to 1989, Capt George was assigned to Clark Air Base (AB) Tactical Airlift Wing, where he was responsible to the 374th Tactical Airlift Commander for providing guidance and direction for two aircraft maintenance squadrons: maintaining Tactical, Aero-medical, and strategic enroute aircraft at Clark AB and deployed locations throughout the western Pacific and Indian Ocean. His expertise ensured real time leadership on day-to-day maintenance production decisions effecting 18 assigned C-130's, 3 C-9A's, all transient C-5, and C-141 aircraft, and 5 supported H-3 helicopters and utilization of over 500 maintenance personnel in over 30 work https://centers.He ensured that mission capable aircraft were provided to operations to meet Flying requirements.
In 1989 Captain George was reassigned to McChord Air Force Base where he was responsible for supervising the Organizational Maintenance Squadron, managed 378 personnel assigned in five branches to: produce safe, reliable aircraft for global strategic/tactical airlift operations. He was the Resource Advisor for the squadrons $3.5 million budget. Monitored aircraft production and directed activities to meet daily flying and maintenance schedules, while ensuring strict compliance with technical data, safety and security
Captain George retired 1 Nov 1990 with over 24 years service: 14 years enlisted and 10 as an USAF Officer. While working full time in service to his country, he completed a BS degree in Occupational Education and a MS degree in Personnel Management.
Starting in 1991 through 2011, now going by only his last name as "George" as a civilian in the Pacific Northwest, he completed a machinist training course and retooled himself for a civilian job as a maintenance engineer. His first job in this series was with Nalley Fine Foods (known for soups and pickles) as a Maintenance Plant Engineer where he maintained food processing equipment, fabricated shafts, spare parts, and maintained inventory levels. His second job was with Interstate Brands (known for Hostess treats and Wonder Bread) as a Maintenance Plant Engineer, he maintained food processing equipment, performed welding, and machinist repairs. His third job at Sargento's /Portionables (known for cheese, and processed frozen foods) was as a Senior Maintenance Technician, where he troubleshoot and repaired food processing equipment, maintained inventory status by ordering parts from the usage file ensuring job completion in a timely manner.
George was also employed after 2011 to 2012 at the Golden Eagles Club, a private African American social club as the Club Manager, where he oversaw inventory, food preparation, DJ Live music, and organized/planned musical/special events.
Wilbur I George III passed away on 21 Sept after a long illness related to his service-connected disability. He leaves behind his partner of over 32 years Sarah of Washington, a step daughter Ayo and husband and family from the mid west, a son Reuben of Trenton, New Jersey, and a daughter Jennifer of Los Angles, CA, and half brothers and sisters in Illinois and relatives in Georgia and Washington DC.
On 21 Oct 2025 funeral activities at Mountain View Funeral Home, then he will be moved to the New Tacoma Cemetery, service by the Indoor Mausoleum, and honor guard tribute, followed by entombment. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in his name, to Parkinson's Medical research, or the Parkinson's Foundation, or your favorite Research and Foundation pursuit..
The song that seems to be playing in my mind by Barbara Streisand is "The Way We Were"
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