George Thomas Puckett

He leaves behind his lifelong love and wife Marilyn of almost 76 years, two sons: Lynn Thomas Puckett and his wife Betsy of RI and Lonnie George Puckett and his wife Kathleen of TN, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Born in a small town in Virginia, he traveled the world for work and war. In his youth he followed in his father’s footsteps and worked on the railroad. After enlisting in the Army Air Corps, he became a licensed aircraft mechanic and soon became an aviator. When newly married, he was sent to Korea, where his gregarious personality engendered a friendship with General MacArthur. Transporting supplies and performing reconnaissance in the Korean War subjected him to enemy fire which resulted in a crash landing with lengthy hospitalizations and disability.

After the war he took any flying job available and moved his family to New Mexico where he crop dusted. He started flying freight and eventually ended up with a large corporation in RI where he became their corporate pilot. Because of his expertise with machines his employer urged him to get his degree in engineering, whereafter he designed tooling and new production facilities worldwide for the company.

Retiring to North Carolina, he did not slow down. An avid guitar player his entire life, he continued his hobby and rebuilt instruments for others. He rebuilt engines and could fix most anything. He was a hunter and often rebuilt guns for friends. A committed gardener, he grew more vegetables than they could ever eat so that he could give many away.

He had a larger-than-life personality, a fun sense of humor, a strong love for family and country, and great devotion to his wife Marilyn. His passing has left an immense void.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday February 15th at 4:30 at the Kirksey Funeral Home, 406 Lenoir Road, Morganton. Masks are encouraged.

Memorial donations may be made to Burke County Friends of Animals. Checks can be made out to BCFFA and mailed to PO Box 1884, Morganton, NC 28680.