- Date Of Birth: November 29, 1930
- Date Of Death: February 14, 2015
- State: Texas
George Wallace Puckett, November 29, 1930 – February 14, 2015.
George was born November 29, 1930 in Belton, Texas to Tom and Beulah Puckett. He married Rose Lee Ivey on October 06, 1954 in Lampasas, Texas by the Church of Christ Minister Paul Wallace. George worked with his father and brothers in their family owned furniture store business for many years. Feeling the need to spread his wings and see the world, George joined the United States Air Force at age 16.
He was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi where he attended airplane and engine mechanic school. He was sent to Engine Specialist School in Spokane, Washington. Attaining the rank of Sergeant, he worked as an engine specialist and trouble shooter on B-29 Bombers. Spokane, Washington became his home base where he worked with the 343rd Bomber Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group (M) of the Fifteenth Air Force and Strategic Air Command.
Given the opportunity to participate in extended air maneuvers which covered half the globe, the B-29 Bombers flew simulated missions over Hawaii, Kwajalein, Guam, Okinawa, the Philippine Islands, Formosa, Japan, Iwo Jima, Saipan, Aleutian Islands, Alaska and Canada. After the 98th Bombardment Group returned from the Kadena Air Strip in Okinawa, SGT Puckett flew with his group to England to fly in simulated missions over several other European countries out of Skulthrope Air Drom which was shared with the British. Military life led to adventures, memories and stories to be shared with fellow airmen, family, friends and grandchildren. George received awards and medals during his time served.
Some of those include, Japanese Occupational Ribbon with RyuKyus Clasp, Sharp Shooter and marksman ribbons and medals. His AGCT aptitude score qualified him to apply for West Point; however, George elected to return home instead of continuing a career in the military. Upon returning home to Belton, George met and married his beautiful wife, Rose. They chose to remain in Belton to spend their lives and raise a family. George decided to open and operate his own retail furniture store, Belton Furniture, which was in business greater than 30 years. Deciding to sell the furniture business, George began working with BIG Tex Oil for the next 11 years before electing to retire. Throughout his life, George loved the outdoors and the beauty that God had created for our eyes to behold. His favorite outdoor sports were fishing, hunting with his bird dogs, skeet shooting and golf.
From a young boy to an adult, he could often be seen along the creek beds with fishing gear in hand or in the woods with his dogs hunting dove or quail. During his later years, his health prevented him from participating in many of his favorite sports except the love of fishing and a new talent of outdoor vegetable gardening and investing in the stock market. Increasing one’s knowledge and education were also important to George. His belief, “you are never too old in life to learn”, led him to encourage his children and grandchildren to continue their education. He led by example in his return to night school to obtain his high school diploma since he joined the Air Force at age 16.
Strong faith and love for GOD and HIS works, gave George the determination to continue with life no matter what challenge was presented. He was a long time member of the Church of Christ. He is survived by his loving wife, Rose, his two children, Jann Featherston (Timothy) of Morgans Point, Larry Puckett (Brenda) of Round Rock. Four grandchildren, John Thomas, Brandi Featherston, Phillip Featherston (Kristen) Audrey Puckett Gray and three beautiful great grandchildren, Alexis and Jacob Gray and Jackson Featherston.
