Several years ago I met George via phone and email while I was researching my father's WWII history as a B-17 pilot.  At the time George was editor/distributor for the 8th Air Force's veterans newsletter he published for many years. He invited my husband and me to come visit him in Winter Springs, where we were his houseguests for 2 days. There we met his lady friend, Sue, whom he later married, and he gave us a tour of the USC grounds and much of Winter Park, where I once lived as a teenager. He was such a gentleman, a  thoughtful and gracious host, and as someone else pointed out, a masterful storyteller! George, I am so glad to have known you and I hope you can connect with my Pete who passed 2 years ago, so you two can continue to swap stories!

I met Mr. Starke about ten years ago or so at the 8th Air Force museum. What a gracious, unassuming gentleman. I loved his stories of WWII.  I'm happy for him and his relatives that he had such a long life. RIP American Hero. 

I think of George all the time.  He was one of the most interesting men I ever met.  We became very close in the years we worked in the oral surgery clinic. I left Florida in 2004 and always  planned to go back and visit with George.  We did get to talk on the phone some. Heaven is a better place now that he  is there telling all his interesting stories.

I got my Un of Louisville alumni magazine and was shocked to see that my beloved friend and colleague at the University of Florida had passed away a year ago. I had last talked with George when Dr. Woody Currins was visiting with him last summer. George and I had so much in common. Both U. of L. grads both air force aviators. We hit it off the first day we met, He was my idol although I was his boss in the EDC clinic and I was 17 years younger than George. We had many a get together at my home and he always brought us a smoked turkey for Christmas. God broke the mold when he made George and part of my heart will forever be broken.   

George and I met at the UFCD emergency clinic sometime back in 1992. I was a second year student and he was a courtesy faculty. I walked in and there he was , larger than life.  He was a wonderful instructor and unlike many others, he respected all of us and tried to make us the best we could be. He would drive up on Tues and stayed until Thursday. Not too long because he had to get back to Betty Jo. While he was in Gainesville we had great cook outs at my townhouse and when my family was in town he was always part of the party because I truly felt that he was a part of my family. 
As time went on and our friendship grew I met his family, I visited his home and worked alongside him at the dental board preps course. We sure had some wonderful times together. So many that I could probably write a book about them. He was always full of energy and hard to keep up with. Not sure if it was because of his energy or those long legs he had. It was probably some of the best times in my life and he was a huge part of it. 
For those who where fortunate enough to have met George, you know exactly what I am talking about. You could always count on him knowing where the best food was.  He certainly knew where the best veal marsala was in Gainesville. He was also extremely dependable. He was so dependable that he would drive us all crazy at dinner during the dental board preps because he had to fuel up the generators, so eat fast. He loved his Gators and prayed hard for a national championship. I will never forget sitting next to him during the first national championship celebration when he shed a tear. He turned to me and said " I never thought I would live long enough to see this, they have been bad for so many years". Well he lived to see 3 of them and enjoyed them all.  Most important of all you knew he had a great big heart. He would stop to talk to anyone and always help anyone he could. 
Goodbye old friend until we meet again. Thank you for the memories and the friendship. 

I was truly dismayed to read of Dr. Starks' passing.  Just a few weeks ago I learned of the book "Coffin Corner Boys" which detailed his experiences in WW2.  On a whim, I Googled his name and discovered he still lived in Winter Springs.  When I called, he answered the phone himself.  I asked if he was available to sign my copy of the book, and he replied to come on over, he would gladly sign.  I was at his house in less than an hour and enjoyed a very pleasant chat with him.
I should note that Dr Starks was my dentist back in the early 60's.  I only later learned of his war exploits.  But as a young boy, I was more impressed by his appearances as a panel member on the local TV show Central Florida Showcase.  Knowing someone who was on TV was a big deal to an 8-year-old boy.
Thank you, Dr Starks, for everything you accomplished in life: student, soldier, physician, husband, father.  But mostly for being a good man.
As I have said about only a few people I have known:
"If you're half the man he was, you're twice the man most are."
Blue skies, Dr Starks.
Terrell Hendrix

OBITUARY

Dr. George W Starks

November 20, 1923 – July 29, 2018

Baldwin-Fairchild Oviedo Funeral Home

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