George Roy Brier

Born in Waterville, Maine on June 10, 1926, to George Willard and Miriam Smith Brier, he graduated from the University of South Carolina on June 5, 1946 and was commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served on active duty for the next 33 years. Initially serving as an infantry officer, he was designated a naval aviator in 1951.

His depth and breadth of service spanned tactical, operational, and strategic leadership levels, including service in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and culminating in his command of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing/Marine Air Reserve Training Command. He was awarded the Legion of Merit with combat “V”, the Distinguished Flying Cross, eight Air Medals, and the Navy Commendation Medal with combat “V” for his combat service.

Following his retirement from the Marines in July 1976 and a few years as a defense contractor, George joined George Washington University to pursue a doctoral degree and his love of teaching. He completed his PhD in Engineering Management in 1989 and taught at the University for about 10 years, including at an offsite program he started at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia. He then retired from teaching and moved to Carillion Beach, Florida, with annual trips back to Alexandria, Virginia.

He is survived by his companion of 30 years, Jan Forsythe; his two children, Georganne Brier John, and her husband, Lawrence Michael John, of Arlington, and Major General Paul Willard Brier, USMC (Ret.), and his wife, Rhonda Johnston Brier, of Richmond; and grandchildren, Austin Wade Brier, and his wife Dr. Valerie Tran, and Allison Paige Brier, all of Richmond.

Interment at Arlington National Cemetery will be Thursday, June 15th at 9AM.