George
George Wrigley
d. June 16, 2011
Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville announces funeral services for Mr. George R. Wrigley, age 94, of Blairsville, Georgia, who passed away Thursday, June 16, 2011, in Union General Hospital in Blairsville.
George Robert Wrigley was born in Leavenworth, Kansas on May 22, 1917. He had eight siblings and suffered the loss of both parents early in his life. After finishing high school, he joined the United States Navy, which he proudly served for 24 years. The Navy had a strong influence on him and he became one of a small number of enlisted men to become a Navy pilot, instilling in him a life-long love of flying. The Navy stationed George in many parts of the US and Pacific Rim, including China in the late 1930s and Midway Island in the 1950s, and served on several warships, including the USS Texas. He instructed new fliers during World War II and among his numerous commendations and badges, received a Navy Unit Citation for his Korean War Service. He learned to fly fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. He eventually rose to the rank of Lieutenant before retiring in 1960. After his Navy service, George worked for the Federal Aviation Administration in several capacites, including flight inspector.
His second career in the FAA brought him to the Atlanta area, from where they discovered the mountains of Union County. After 17 years, George and his wife Betty retired to Union County, where they lived on Buzzard's Roost Ridge for 26 delightful years. He loved to laugh but even more loved to make others laugh, even as his health declined during the last year. Friends recall his cheerfulness, sharp mind and unfailing wit. He took great pride in his Navy service, his marriage of 58 years, three children and four grandchildren. He taught his sons to fish. He delighted in sharing stories of his Navy days, stories which revealed he knew his life was charmed and blessed. In his last year due to the kindness of friends and strangers he was able to enjoy flying and fishing again, two of his great passions.Mr. Wrigley was a member of First Baptist Church of Blairsville.
George Wrigley was greatly loved, and will be missed by everyone who knew him; but especially his family: Betty Wrigley, of Blairsville; son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Claudia Wrigley, of Frazier's Bottom, West Virginia; son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Tammy Wrigley, of Pilot Point, Texas; and son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Lynne Wrigley, of Bogart, Georgia; four grandchildren: Sarah Jett, Stephanie Wrigley, Anna Wrigley, and Adam Wrigley.
Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, June 20, 2011, at 1:00 p.m., in the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville, with Dr. Fred Lodge, Rev. Danny Parris, and Rev. Bethel Buchanan officiating. Special music will be presented by Minister of Music R. Terry Hooper. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday morning, starting at 11:00 a.m., before the funeral starts at 1:00 p.m.If you wish, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Blairsville, Youth Missions Fund, P.O. Box 2058, Blairsville, GA 30514.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville. Please visit our website at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com, to send condolences to the family and share fond memories.
George Robert Wrigley was born in Leavenworth, Kansas on May 22, 1917. He had eight siblings and suffered the loss of both parents early in his life. After finishing high school, he joined the United States Navy, which he proudly served for 24 years. The Navy had a strong influence on him and he became one of a small number of enlisted men to become a Navy pilot, instilling in him a life-long love of flying. The Navy stationed George in many parts of the US and Pacific Rim, including China in the late 1930s and Midway Island in the 1950s, and served on several warships, including the USS Texas. He instructed new fliers during World War II and among his numerous commendations and badges, received a Navy Unit Citation for his Korean War Service. He learned to fly fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. He eventually rose to the rank of Lieutenant before retiring in 1960. After his Navy service, George worked for the Federal Aviation Administration in several capacites, including flight inspector.
His second career in the FAA brought him to the Atlanta area, from where they discovered the mountains of Union County. After 17 years, George and his wife Betty retired to Union County, where they lived on Buzzard's Roost Ridge for 26 delightful years. He loved to laugh but even more loved to make others laugh, even as his health declined during the last year. Friends recall his cheerfulness, sharp mind and unfailing wit. He took great pride in his Navy service, his marriage of 58 years, three children and four grandchildren. He taught his sons to fish. He delighted in sharing stories of his Navy days, stories which revealed he knew his life was charmed and blessed. In his last year due to the kindness of friends and strangers he was able to enjoy flying and fishing again, two of his great passions.Mr. Wrigley was a member of First Baptist Church of Blairsville.
George Wrigley was greatly loved, and will be missed by everyone who knew him; but especially his family: Betty Wrigley, of Blairsville; son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Claudia Wrigley, of Frazier's Bottom, West Virginia; son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Tammy Wrigley, of Pilot Point, Texas; and son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Lynne Wrigley, of Bogart, Georgia; four grandchildren: Sarah Jett, Stephanie Wrigley, Anna Wrigley, and Adam Wrigley.
Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, June 20, 2011, at 1:00 p.m., in the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville, with Dr. Fred Lodge, Rev. Danny Parris, and Rev. Bethel Buchanan officiating. Special music will be presented by Minister of Music R. Terry Hooper. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday morning, starting at 11:00 a.m., before the funeral starts at 1:00 p.m.If you wish, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Blairsville, Youth Missions Fund, P.O. Box 2058, Blairsville, GA 30514.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville. Please visit our website at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com, to send condolences to the family and share fond memories.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of George Wrigley, please visit our flower store.
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