George LaRence Britton Jr. of Williamsburg was called home to the Lord on Friday, April 7, 2017.
He was born in Richmond, on July 22, 1923, the third of four boys born to George L. Britton Sr. and Lillye J. Britton.
As a young man, he joined the United States Air Force during World War II and flew the P-47 Thunderbolt. He received the “Distinguished Flying Cross,” Air Medal, WWII Victory Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II French Normandy Commemorative Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Air Force Presidential Unit Citation. After service to his country, he spent a number of years in the Air Force Reserve, retiring as a Major.
George was able to attend college on the G.I. Bill, graduating from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. He continued his career in engineering and retired from the Naval Weapons Station Mining and Engineering Facility.
George was a man of God and a devoted member of the Williamsburg Baptist Church for many years. He was an active member in the community, joining the Lions Club in 1961 where he was President from 1973-74. He was recognized for 56 years of perfect attendance and was awarded a “Melvin Jones Fellow.” He was also a member of the American Legion and a Mason. In his leisure time, he enjoyed playing golf.
George was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Margaret “Peggy” Britton; parents, George and Lillye Britton, and brothers, Wilson, Herbert and Wray Britton.
He leaves to cherish his memory a daughter, Dianne B. Fannin (Charles); two sons, George L. Britton III and David L. Britton (Christine); two granddaughters, Amber Hull (Eric) and Lorie Spence; great-grandchildren, Nash and Mason Spence, Paul Sharpe, Chase and Averie Hull, and stepgreat-granddaughters, Lauren Casey and Marilyn Hull.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2017, at the Williamsburg Baptist Church, 227 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, Va. 23185.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Williamsburg Lions Club, Williamsburg Baptist Church or Virginia Tech.