George Everett Sayre Jr.

Born on January 18, 1939, in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, George was the son of George and Stella Sayre. After high school, he pursued his passion for engineering at Devry Technical Institute in Chicago, Illinois, earning his associate degree as an aerospace engineer. On July 20, 1963, he married the love of his life, Carolyn Fielding, in Washington County, Pennsylvania, beginning a devoted partnership that would last over six decades.

George had a distinguished career as an engineer, working for companies like Singer and Reflectone. He also served as a consultant for the U.S. Air Force and NASA, contributing to groundbreaking projects over his 40-year career. A key part of his legacy is his work in aeronautical simulation at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, where he had the privilege of working with and training Air Force pilots and the Apollo astronauts. He was instrumental in developing the heads-up display for the Space Shuttle, which projected a visual representation of the runway to assist with landing. He also played a significant role in the invention of the laser altimeter, a technology that is now used in all spacecrafts as well as some aircraft to measure the distance of the craft to the surface of the earth or moon. His expertise led to an invitation from NASA to work on a solution for the space shuttle's thermal tiles, which were crucial for protecting the craft upon re-entry to Earth.

Beyond his professional achievements, George was a man of deep faith. He was an active and dedicated member of Bay Hope United Methodist Church, where he served in the men’s club, Sunday school, and the Celebrate Recovery ministry. He was also a passionate member of Promise Keepers, a men's ministry he deeply cherished for its music and mission. In his retirement, he and Carolyn became a part of the SOWERS (Servants On Wheels Ever Ready) ministry, traveling the country to volunteer on Christian construction projects. He especially enjoyed helping to build an airplane hangar for missionaries and serving at the Hope Children’s Home in Tampa. George's unwavering faith was a source of great peace, and he prayed faithfully for his family and church.

George is preceded in death by his brother, Frank Sayre, and his sister, Marion Rhoda. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Carolyn Sayre; his sister, Emily Hayes; his four children, Kathy (Thomas J.) Layton, Diane (Robert) Donofrio, Shelley (Michael) Jemison, and Bruce (Angela) Sayre; his 10 grandchildren; and his 24 great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A visitation for George will be held Monday, August 25, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Blount & Curry FH-Carrollwood, 3207 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33618. A funeral service will occur Monday, August 25, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 3207 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33618. A graveside service will occur Monday, August 25, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Garden of Memories Cemetery, E Lake Ave, Tampa, FL 33610.