George James Waddington Jr.
May 26, 1933 ~ August 13, 2023
Born in:
New Kensington, PA
Resided in:
Spring Hill, TN
George James Waddington, Jr., of Spring Hill, Tennessee, died Sunday, August 13th, 2023, at the Hospice Solace Center in Asheville, NC.
Born in New Kensington, PA, on May 26th, 1933, he was the son of the late George James Waddington and Bertha Hanner Waddington. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife, Nan Floyd Waddington.
George had the rare distinction of serving honorably in 3 branches of the United States military: the US Army, Airforce, and Marine Corps Reserves. He served in the Korean War and flew fighter jets during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was the recipient of 3 purple hearts. George had a passion for aviation and had a prestigious 28-year career as a pilot, flight instructor/check airmen and FAA Designee with American Airlines.
In November 2011, George was awarded the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. This award recognizes individuals who have exhibited safe, exemplary aviation expertise, distinguished professionalism, and steadfast commitment for at least 50 plus years of piloting experience.
After retiring from American Airlines in 1993, George spent a lot of quality time with his beloved grandchildren on his family farm in Spring Hill. He continued to fly small aircraft at two smaller, local middle Tennessee airports (Hunter Field and Lewisburg). He loved spending time at the Lewisburg airport, participating in fly-in breakfasts and Sunday potluck luncheons, chatting with fellow pilots, swapping war stories, and telling tall flight tales.
George is survived by his three daughters, Martha Pearson of Spring Hill, TN, Cady (Scott) Bell of Fairview, NC, Lisa (Mitchell) Wright of Mt. Juliet, TN; six grandchildren Jessica Stahl, Sean Renken, Brooke Woods, Victoria Wright, Dee Dee McGill and Christopher Bell and four great grand-children, Cameron Stahl, Ella Stahl, Aria Woods and Cambrie Woods.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the wonderful staff members at Flesher’s Fairview Health Care Center, the CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville, NC. and the pastors and church family of First Baptist Church, Asheville for their amazing care and concern for George and his family throughout the end stages of his life.
A private interment service will take place later in the Fall at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Skokie, Illinois.
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.
Services
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road
856 Tunnel Rd.
Asheville, NC 28805
(828)299-4416
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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Thoughts and prayers are with the family during these difficult sad day. You need to keep his memories close and think of them often.
Thinking of you and praying for your family. Love you Teresa McCall
Such a distinguished career and loving tribute for his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Martha, Cady, and Lisa,
I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I have lots of high school band trip memories. You and your families will be in my prayers.
John – We shall not see his like again. Godspeed to my Uncle George. Hope you & the rest of the (remaining) Ready Room Cowboys at Lewisburg are doing well.
I was saddened to say the least as I learned of George’s passing. My time spent with George as my flight instructor was more than just a teacher/student experience. He was the real deal. If I’m not mistaken I believe he had the opportunity to fly in the cockpit of the Concord. I’m not sure if he ever had his hands on the controls but what an experience that must have been! George lived a wonderful life and shared many of his life’s experience with others. In my opinion, George was a National Treasure. Thank you my friend for our time spent together. I’ll never forget you sir.