Richard "Rick" Alan George

Richard (Rick) Alan George, age 63, passed away at home surrounded by his family on March 16, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas. He was born in Lynwood, California to Richard Brown and Joan Seiber on July 20, 1958.

Rick leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Lona Prablek George; children, Danielle George McKneely (husband Greg McKneely), Melanie George, and Jessica George Robles (husband Jose Flavio Robles, Jr.); mother, Joan George; sisters, Karen Drawdy and Lisa Haggerty (husband Patrick Haggerty); grandchildren, Gavin McKneely, Dylan McKneely, and Baby Robles due September 2022; sister-in-law, Shawn Prablek; brothers-in-law, Richard Prablek (wife Chu-Yuan Prablek) and Lawrence Prablek, Jr.; and 11 nieces and nephews.

Rick is preceded in death by his grandparents, Ethel and Frank Johnson; father, Richard E. Brown; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lawrence Prablek, Sr. and Meilan Prablek.

Rick graduated from Bell High School in California in 1976 and went on to join the Air Force. He graduated from the Community College of the Air Force with an AAS in 1993 and a year later earned his Bachelor of Science in Occupational Education at Wayland Baptist University. Just a few years after that in 1997, Rick graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with his Master’s degree.

Rick loved the outdoors and this led him to acquire a travel trailer and boat to spend family weekends and summers at Lake Medina. From childhood afternoons spent watching classic Westerns at the movies, he was thrilled to become a visiting resident of Bandera, the Cowboy Capital of the World. He enjoyed fishing throughout his life with his Air Force comrades in Alaska and California. He was able to share his fishing experiences with his children, grandchildren, and son-in-law.

While in the Air Force, he attained recognition for expert-level marksmanship and shooting as part of his job duties, and was able to enjoy it as a retirement pastime by avidly collecting firearms, and spending time at the range with his sister-in-law, sister, wife, and any family member who shared in his new found hobby. Playing an instrument was something he always wanted to do, and he discovered the ukulele after retiring from teaching. When there was a birthday cake at the family dining table, he would treat us all to his own rendition of “Happy Birthday” for all to enjoy. He also loved fixing up his old Jeep Wrangler (affectionately known as “The Jeepster”) and taking it out for relaxing Hill Country drives when the weather was nice. When he wasn’t enjoying his other hobbies or lending a helping hand to his family, he could be found solving a Word Jumble, listening to music, and taking care of his beloved rescue dogs, Darcy and Stella.

Rick’s work ethic was one of excitement, regardless of the task. He refueled Air Force jets in 120 degree temperatures in Del Rio and 20 below zero in Anchorage with the same type of enthusiasm. He took on side jobs to supplement his military salary which included being a night janitor. He perfected his house cleaning expertise which no family member would ever duplicate, but he did happily share his domestic secrets with his daughters.

Rick’s home was truly his castle and he felt a home should reflect his love of family. Not only was the inside of his home meticulously kept, his love of the outdoors included what most people consider drudgery of yardwork. The smell of freshly cut grass, trimmed flower beds, and sprinkler system checks were a happy place for him on the weekends.

His life was in service to others. Rick served our country in the United States Air Force from 1977 to 1997. Although he was a native Californian, he found a new home state as he began basic training at Lackland Air Force Base and a first assignment to Laughlin AFB in Del Rio Texas. He welcomed each new assignment location from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska to Castle AFB, California, to Incirlik AB, Turkey, and his final assignment of Randolph AFB, Texas.

Rick’s second career was in service to the community children as an Elementary School Teacher from 1997-2018. He began his teaching career at Schulze Elementary School in Harlandale ISD teaching at risk students in an alternative program. He moved to Ridgeview Elementary School in 2002, and retired from Colonial Hills Elementary in 2018 in Northeast ISD. His entire 21 years of teaching were in schools whose students were often considered at risk and economically disadvantaged. Thus, he spent every summer break shopping for school supplies and snacks that would be available whenever needed for the more than 400 students he taught during his career.

Rick’s greatest joy was in all his family roles. As a grandson and son he loved and respected those who brought him into this world and helped raise him into adulthood. As a brother, he treasured any chance to spend time visiting in person or on phone chats with his forever best friend sisters. As a father, he was so proud of being Dad to his three incredible daughters. As a grandfather, he reveled in the everyday magic of observing his two grandsons grow from babies into wonderful young men. As a husband, he cherished the love and partnership with his wife during the last 31 years.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Animal Defense League of Texas (https://adltexas.org/donation/) or the American Cancer Society (https://donate3.cancer.org/) in Rick’s honor.

Rick's family will receive guests on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at 6:00 PM at Sunset North Funeral Home, 910 N Loop 1604 E., San Antonio, Texas 78232. A memorial service will occur Thursday, April 14, 2022 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 910 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, TX 78232. A committal service will occur Friday, April 15, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX 78209.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SunsetNorthFuneralHome.com for the George family.