George D. French Jr.

Retired Lt. Colonel George D. French Jr. 86, passed away February 18, 2021 at his home in Crystal River, Florida after a valiant fight with lung cancer. He is survived by his wife Arden of 57 years, their daughter Cindy French and Ehsan Siddiqui, and their son George and Kristen French and his grandchildren George and Tessa. He was preceded in death by his parents George Dewey French, Sr. and Dorothy Clement French of Lakeland, Florida. Dewey, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Lakeland, Florida. He attended his early education through high school there, graduating in 1952. He attended the University of Florida and graduated from Florida Southern college. He was a life long Gator fan.In college, he joined ROTC and followed with a 22 year career in the US Army Transportation Corps. He served our country with 2 tours in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. Upon returning to the states, he was assigned to be a flight instructor, mentoring up-and-coming US Army pilots at Ft. Rucker. Rising through the ranks from 2nd Lt. to Lt. Col., he completed various assignments both in the US and abroad. Retiring in 1983, he began his second career in real estate as a property manager. When Miami was hit by hurricane Andrew, George was employed by the Crossings to assist in rebuilding the community. He then moved on to manage Pine Ridge in Beverly Hills, Florida. for the next five years. Retiring a second time, he enjoyed his family, his yard, traveling and life in general. He will be greatly missed by all of us. Visitation will be held, Tuesday, March 2nd from Noon until 1:00 PM at Fero Funeral Home, 5955 N. Lecanto Highway, Beverly Hills, Fl. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. Donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org. www.ferofuneralhome.com