George R. Pinkley

He spent much of his childhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After graduating from high school there he entered the University of Missouri and earned a B.A. in Geology in 1926. During the ensuing years, George was involved in many different aspects of the petroleum industry - surface mapping, magnetometer surveys, subsurface interpretations, prospect generation and marketing, well supervision and well site geology, title work, and drilling operations.

George worked in a variety of places including Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado, Georgia, Cuba and Venezuela. George closed his office and retired in 2000.

In 1938, while working in South Texas, he met and married Helen Sanders. George and Helen were married for 49 years until she passed away in 1987. During World War II, George was called to active duty as a First Lieutenant in the Chemical Corps. He was involved mostly with the training of troops in various chemical operations. He was assigned to clean up the post camps and stations across Africa.

After the war, George remained in the Army Reserve until 1965, when he retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

George was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen Sanders Pinkley, his parents Roy Henry Pinkley and Sophie Waring Pinkley, his stepmother Helen Mabel Duncan Pinkley, and his half sister Helen Platt. He is survived by his half sister Margaret Varda, his nephews John Duncan Varda, Michael Varda, Anthony Varda, Richard Varda and numerous great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice or the South Texas Geological Society Scholarship Fund, 900 NE Loop 410, Suite D-100, San Antonio, Texas 78209.