George Dewey Drew

Tampa native and life-long resident, passed away on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2015. He was born in 1919, the son of James Dewey Drew and Marion Emma Allen Drew. He attended Roosevelt Elementary, Wilson Jr. High, and Plant High School. George was a WWII B-24 pilot and a former POW in Germany. Following the war, he returned to Tampa and married Alleene Downs. They were just a few weeks shy of their 66th anniversary when she passed away in 2012. During his career, George was Sales Manager for Industrial Supply Corp. He was a 55 year member of the Masons, and he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with his friends and family. Following his retirement, George volunteered at James Haley Veteran’s Hospital and served as commander of the Greater Tampa Bay Chapter of American Ex-POW. He was a member of the 25th Flight of the Order of Daedalians. He often spoke about his WWII experiences at schools and events. George was predeceased by his parents, his wife, and his sister, Betty Drew Clark. He is survived by his daughters, Judy West and Pam (Keith) Pafford; his five grandchildren: Catherine Pafford, Keith (Laura) Pafford, Billy (Stephanie) West, Drew West, and Mallory West (Will) Eastman; and brother, Jack Drew. George was a good man, a loving husband, father, and grandfather and faithful friend. He will be deeply missed. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at James Haley for the many years of care and support. In addition, the kindness of the staffs and caregivers at Brookdale Bayshore, Sun Terrace Rehab Center, and LifePath Hospice is very much appreciated. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 1st from 6-8pm at Blount & Curry, 605 S. MacDill Ave. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 2nd at 10am at Blount & Curry with burial to follow at Myrtle Hill Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of Blount & Curry FH-Macdill Chap, TAMPA, FL.