George Lady

George Donald Lady, 84, Kingsport, passed peacefully on August 24, 2013 at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center, with family at his side. He is now free of lung problems, skin tears, and is able to "see" again. He is in Heaven and meeting with his family members, friends, and pets.

His military graveside service at the VA by the Honor Guard was held on Wednesday, August 28, 2013. Minister Kaye Florence officiated and spoke eloquently.

He was preceded in death by his young mother, Emma Cain Lady; father, G.F. Lady; his special son, Craig Howard, RN, FNP; his aunts, Bertha Ford and Pearl Cain Rowland; some uncles; his best boyhood friend, Thomas H. Howard; grandparents, Benny and Katie; his first wife, Liselotte Lady; and Boston Terriers, Tuffy the 1st and Tuffy the 2nd.

Survivors include the love of his life, his wife, Betty Jo Kress Howard Lady; special daughter and caregiver, Kelly Jo Howard, and Tammy Howard (special daughter-in-law); grandson, Jeremiah Sanders; several cousins in the Tri-Cities and in Indiana; and his beloved Boston Terriers, "Muffin" and "Tippy."

George was born in Blountville, TN, on September 27, 1928. His mother died when he was an infant, so his aunts and grandmother raised him. George wouldn't take a bottle so they fed him coffee and milk. He was 6' 2 ½" tall, so it did not stunt his growth!

He graduated from Holston High School, then went on to the University of Tennessee where he played defensive end for the Volunteers football team, with General Neyland as his coach. George called himself a "bench-warmer", but how did he get his teeth kicked out during a game? ! George received two Masters Degrees and two B.S. Degrees later at East Tennessee State University in History, Math, Science, Chemistry and Education.

He had an extensive career in the U.S. Air Force. He ranked as Chief Master Sergeant and carried the "black box" for General Jones. George was friends with and worked with many dignitaries such as Roger Staubach, Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, and John F. Kennedy. He flew many missions during the Korean War and the Vietnam War, receiving several medals for bravery. George was stationed in Germany, Japan, France and Turkey. He was fluent in German, Japanese, some Korean and Chinese. With the help of an interpreter, he taught chemistry and nuclear physics in Japan. One of his students was the son of "Tojo". He was also an educator in military planning and operations.

George was a meteorologist and flew Hurricane Hunter missions. Once, while he was flying a mission, the comrade sitting by him was killed by artillery fire, but George remained calm and continued navigating the airplane. He was also a Civil Defense Radiological Officer for nuclear decontamination. Once during flight he kept a nuclear missile from detonating in a B-52 airplane.

After serving 23 years in the Air Force, he retired with an Honorable Discharge. He continued in education, teaching History, General Science, Math and Chemistry at Tri-Cities Christian School. He also worked for the U.S. Postal Service. George influenced and enriched many young lives through education.

George was a "MAN." He had the patience of Job. George read the entire Bible three times. He attended Bethel Presbyterian Church and Broad Street United Methodist Church. He was the best dad you could ever have, and was a very caring individual. He gave great advice about life situations; in other words, it seems like he knew "everything." George would forego his own activities to help his family and friends. He loved his "Betty Jo" and was a devoted husband. George also was very caring to Betty's mother; he went to feed "Nana" (Mae Kress) almost every day at the nursing home in the 1980'and 90's on his lunch hour.

He had the keenest sense of humor and kept everyone around him laughing with his silly and funny jokes. George enjoyed speaking in German and Japanese to confuse others. He helped Craig and Kelly with Chemistry for their Nursing careers. His spirit of giving never ceased. After retirement he taught Betty Jo and Kelly the Bible, the German language, weather patterns and country cooking skills. George was an avid reader and loved gardening. He will never be forgotten by all the people whose lives he touched.

Even after going blind, he kept his family, friends and caregiver's spirits high. He liked to sing gospel songs and make up rhymes. He continued to be an avid UT Vols football fan. He cherished his Boston Terriers, "Muffin" and "Tippy." George liked to smoke his pipe, listen to novels on CD, go out to eat, and take care of Betty Jo.

The family would like to thank all of the nurses, doctors, PCTs, caregivers, therapists, other hospital personnel and friends that helped him live. A special thanks to Dr. Donny Reeves and staff, Dr. Andy Delwadia and staff, Dr. Moffet and staff, Tri-Cities Skin and Cancer, Brookside Pharmacy, Mediserve, Dr. Pickens Gantt, Brenda Tucker (speech therapist), Shawna, RN, Jenny, PT, Kelly at Corum, Asbury nurses, Roy, PT, Lisa Hammonds, Sandee Tibbs, Dr. Kazmier, Belinda Cox, RN, Gin, PCT (at Indian Path), Katherine Jackson, Wendal Jackson, Dennis Cress, Murry Groseclose, Rena, LPN, Junior Riner and wife, Connie, Rob at Mac's, and other caregivers and friends that George loved that accidentally have not been mentioned.

Feel free to make a contribution in his memory to Bethel Presbyterian Church, 1593 Warpath Dr., Kingsport, TN 37664 or Guiding Eyes for the Blind, 611 Granite Springs Rd., Yorktown Heights, NY 10598.