He was predeceased by his father George Obediah Andrews and his mother Louise Charlotte Hogelin.
George is survived by his wife, Joanne Fanning Andrews; his children, Harrison L. Andrews (Kelly) and Angela R. Gulley (Robert); stepchildren, Jennifer M. Edge (J.R.) and Lt. Col. Jeffrey M. Rohman, USMC (Ret.) (Joy); nine grandchildren; sisters, Sandra Walker (Pat) and Jill Andrews; as well as many precious nephews and nieces.
At the tender age of 16 he enlisted in the U.S.N. (father had to sign permission) heading to Great Lakes, IL for boot camp and then on to Little Creek, VA for UDT (Underwater Demolition Team), then sniper school and a special demolition school based in Quantico, VA. George did two tours in Vietnam and transitioned to Deep Sea/hard hat, using the Mark V rig; his deepest dive was over 730’. He received an honorable discharge and went on to his second career in law enforcement in the Virginia Beach Police Dept., working undercover for 6 years and then on to patrol as Sergeant, and a Platoon leader receiving the silver cross. During this time, he went back to school and earned his Master’s in Public Administration. He retired after 22 years moving to the Pensacola area in 1986. His working career ended with being a bodyguard to many famous people as well as a stint in Russia. George was a gregarious individual. A strong man with a personality to match. He was a marksman with any weapon and knew no fear for any person or situation. George was also a very tender and loving man who cherished his family. He in his later years was called a Silverback Teddy Bear! A man of strong faith who knew this life was transitory and that a glorious welcoming God awaited him. Father Bob Graves of Christ Church (Episcopal) was not only his priest but a dear friend whom he shared some special times with. George dearly enjoyed his Johnny Walker or Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey and the stories and adventures he could relate would keep you spellbound. He is a man who one can say truly lived a full life and enjoyed his final years living on the waterfront with a scotch in one hand and a cigar in the other. The family thanks Vitas Hospice home health and his special nurse Phoebe as well as the Vitas Hospice floor at Sacred Heart Hospital for their care during his last days. George – you have left a void in our life; God be with you until we meet again.
Funeral services will be held at Christ Church Pensacola at 1 p.m. Tuesday, October 8, 2024, followed by interment at Bayview Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life will be held at George and Joanne’s home after the interment.
Memorial gifts may be made to Christ Church Pensacola or to the Naval Air Museum in his honor.
Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel, 3351 Scenic Highway is entrusted with arrangements.
