Michael Nelson George

He was born June 14, 1926, in Toronto, Canada, and adopted and raised in Detroit, MI. Known as Mickey to his friends and family, Mickey was quite the athlete; he lettered in football, baseball, and basketball at St. Charles High School. Later he was the quarterback for the semi-professional Canadian League Windsor Rockets.

During World War II, at 18, Mike enlisted in the US Army. He was a member of the 4th Armored Division and served throughout Europe, where he earned two Purple Hearts. After the war, he returned home and married his high school sweetheart, Mary Raccosta. They recently celebrated their 74th Wedding Anniversary. They began their journey as an Army family in 1949 and raised three Army Brats, Kathie, Michael, and Patti. They lived in 10 states and Germany; Mike had two hardship tours to Korea and Iran. The family lost count of how many moves they made. Mike loved this country and believed in our democracy to his core. How appropriate it was that he was born on Flag Day.

Mike liked reading about history and surf fishing. True to his Irish heritage, he would make his family laugh with his highly embellished “true stories.” Mike was a lifetime member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. He volunteered for many years as a Service Officer at the VA.

Mike was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Ann Kathleen Hall, and his son, Michael George. He is survived by his wife, Mary George; his youngest daughter, Patti Purcell; her husband, Brad Purcell and his Grand-dog, Zoey.

Mike served with the 4th Armoured Division, 11th Airborne Division, 1st Cavalry Division, 101st Airborne Division, and his beloved Vietnamese Airborne Division – Team 162, Red Hats, “Airborn All The Way”!!! After 26 years and reaching the rank of Command Sergeant Major, Mike retired from the Army and started his second career of teaching High School ROTC. He taught for 16 years and wore the uniform for 42 years.

Mary and Patti would like to thank the staff at The Fountains of Mill Cove, where Mike and Mary lived, Baptist South Hospital, and Community Hospice. The care he received and the kindness given to “Sweet Mike” was exceptional.

Graveside service will be at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218: Wednesday, April 26, 2023, 11:30am-12:00pm.

Arrangements under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS GREENLAWN FUNERAL HOME 4300 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32207 (904) 396-2522.

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