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George Garcia | Visit Guest Book
George Cecil Garcia Louisville, KY Naples, FL
George Cecil Garcia, 92, of Louisville, KY and Naples, FL, passed away Wednesday, May 5, 2010, at Jefferson Place in Louisville, KY.
Born Octo ber 15, 1917 in Tampa, FL, George was raised amid the closeness of family, learning of its importance and necessity at an early age: "The most important thing in life," as he would often say, "is family" and he remained steadfast and committed to that belief up until his final breath.
George's love of aviation and the desire to better his life drove him to enlist in the U.S. Army Air Corp. After graduating from the U.S. Army Air Corps technical training school in 1937, he was stationed in Louisville where he worked as an A&E mechanic and crew chief with Falls City Flying Service, a business responsible for fueling and maintaining aircraft at both Bowman and Standiford Field. There he sharpened his already innate business acumen, and through his flying time eventually received his pilots license.
As a pilot with the U.S Army Air Corp, he ferried fighters, bombers, and transports for delivery to both Pacific and European Theaters during the first part of World War II. He later flew transports for General MacArthur's Pacific campaign, flying troops, supplies and wounded and was extensively involved in the New Guinea, Solomon Islands-Guadalcanal Operations. He then flew trans-Pacific flights from Australia to the west coast till the end of World War II. He also served overseas in the Korean War. Among his many experiences during World War II, George is unofficially credited with being the first person to fly an American woman, a nurse, into occupied Japan three days before the formal surrender. He retired as a major from the U.S. Air Force Reserves, but always maintained his love for flying for the remainder of his life.
He was president and owner of Falls City Flying Service. He was also president, owner and founder of Aluminum Cruisers, Inc., a division of Falls City Flying Service, which later on become its own separate company. Utilizing his knowledge and experience with aluminum aircraft, George was responsible for developing and manufacturing one of the first all aluminum boats in the country, The Marinette. It was the first of its kind that could be used in both fresh and salt water.
George retired in 1984 and loved spending this time with family and friends. He was an accomplished aviator, avid golfer, fisherman, boater, traveler, investor, and film lover and devoted family man. He and his late wife, Hazel, were regular supporters of The Louisville Deaf Oral School and other local charities.
He was a member of The Quiet Birdmen, Kamp Kaintuck, The Pyramid Trust, The Louisville Boat Club and The Naples Country Club.
He is survived by his son, Tony; daughter-in-law, Jane; and grandchildren, Brian and Colin.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to all his caregivers from Home Instead, Jefferson Place and a very special thanks to Lisa Wheeler for all her love and care.
His funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Monday, May 10th, at Pearson's Chapel, 149 Breckenridge Lane, Louisville, KY with burial in Cave Hill Cemetery.
Visitation: 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at Pearson's.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Louisville Deaf Oral School, American Cancer Society , or the charity of your choice.
Joe
1977 28' Express
Twin 318s, raw water cooled
Ohio River
