George Julius Eichert Jr., age 72, died from complications of COPD on December 14th, 2019, at his home in Merritt Island. The third child, and first son, of his parents George Sr. and Ruth Daniel, "Georgie" was born at Grace Hospital in Welch, West Virginia. After a ten-day stay in the hospital, mother and son returned home where his older sister, Ruthie, staked claim on her baby brother. For nearly his entire life Ruthie was his best and dearest friend. They took care of each other to the end, before George returned to Florida Ruthie would tell people; “Don’t tell George, he’s just going to worry.”, and he did, and he came to her side.
The Eichert family moved from Welch to Orlando when, as a young boy, George developed breathing problems, problems that would follow him throughout his life. The family doctor said they had to move south and recommended Arizona; however, traveling was not easy in those days and Ruth demanded Florida instead allowing them to remain somewhat close to family.
George enjoyed going to school, just not being in class. Annually teachers would leave remarks in his report cards that George needed to settle down and focus on school work, not going outside or being a class clown. Upon entering Titusville High School, having an athletic prowess and a rakish personality, George found himself to be a star athlete on the football field and the basketball court, and very popular with the ladies. As a senior, playing both sides of the ball, he was the starting quarterback and star defensive back leading the team offensively and defensively to many victories. Many of his high school classmates remained dear and close friends, especially after he returned to Florida. After graduation George received an athletic scholarship to play football at the University of Florida. Sadly, an injury in practice ended his dreams of becoming the star quarterback for the Gators. However, a broken knee could not end his love for Gator football, good season or bad season, he cheered them on year after year.
George was the father of four children; two girls and two boys. His children were his greatest pride and joy, late in his life he expressed deep regret at having not spent more time with his children. A strong wanderlust and an entrepreneurial spirit led George to many interesting places but places always away from his kids. His oldest daughter, Mary Beth, was a joy in his heart and simply mentioning her would bring a large smile to his face. Stephanie, his second daughter, was the pride of his life, he was endlessly joyful of her six kids and the stunningly great mother she had become. His oldest son, Jacob, like his father, searched through many varied occupations and university majors for a career to give meaning to his life and to the lives of others. By serving in the US Army his youngest son, Charlie, brought an unending and indescribable pride to his father; George had poor hearing and was unable to serve in the military, something he wished deeply that he had been able to do, Charlies’ service was the greatest bragging point of his children. There is nothing George would not have done to help his kids; in the end he simply wished he had been with them more.
George Julius Eichert Jr, touched the hearts and lives of a many, many people. He was not a great man; but he was the best man his life choices allowed him to be. What more can be asked of any of us than to do the best that we can?
George was preceded in death by his; father George Sr. (1974), mother Ruth Daniels (2004), eldest sister Evelyn (1999), and his best friend Ruthie (2018). He is survived by his four children; Mary Beth Eichert of Merritt Island, FL; Stephanie (Jason) Watts of Layton, UT; Jacob Austin Eichert of Fruit Heights, UT; Sergeant First Class (RET) Charles William Eichert of Lawton, OK.]
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