George D. Shreeve

George Draper Shreeve, Sr., age 95, passed away suddenly on Saturday, March 14. Born on June 20, 1924 to the late John Lawrence and Mary Bernice (Luton) Shreeve, he was the youngest and last survivor of their five children which included Russell, Katherine, Johnny and Evelyn.

Soon after his high school graduation, George joined the US Army Corps and spent 28 months in Africa, Europe and Asia. For two of these years he tallied 9 missions and 40 sorties with the 15th Air Force based in Southern Italy serving as a B-17 flight engineer aboard the “Snoozin’ Suzan”. He was awarded a Purple Heart upon discharge.

After the war, George earned his B.A. and M.A. at George Peabody of Vanderbilt. He was employed as a teacher and then an industrial manager for 11 years, was the manager of Seven Hills Swim & Tennis Club for 8 years, and finally spent 20 years as a contractor and real estate professional before retiring in 1996. Over the years, George was an active member of Waverly Place Methodist, then St. Paul Southern Methodist, and finally Woodmont Christian Church.

Widowed twice, George was first married to his college sweetheart, Dimple Lambert Shreeve, for 26 years and then shared another 16 years of happiness with Betty Allen Shreeve. In the last 24 years of his life, George had been blessed as the beloved husband of Mary Eller Shreeve. Each of his wives shared his love of travel, making it possible for him to explore almost all 50 states as well as Canada and parts of Europe.

In addition to his wife Mary, George leaves behind his two children, George Draper Shreeve, Jr. (New York, NY) and Susan Shreeve Springer (Richard, Nicholasville, KY), stepdaughter Mary Eller Diddle (Hollywood, FL), and two granddaughters, Lily Katherine Springer and Lindy Elizabeth Springer (Nicholasville, KY).

George truly devoted his life to being a dedicated son, brother, soldier, husband, and father, and was a good and trusted friend to many. A private funeral service with full military honors will precede his interment at Woodlawn Cemetery. An event will be planned later for his family and many friends to celebrate his legacy. This world has lost a good man, and Heaven has gained a hero.