George Jefferson Penfield Jr.

On May 4, 2014, Jeff traveled home to heaven to join his beloved wife, Marian. He peacefully fell asleep with the tv set on the sports channel and a bestselling thriller on his chest. He was 79 years old at his passing leaving his brother, Herb Penfield of Sao Paulo, Brazil, daughters, Kim and Kandy, son, Jeff and grandchildren, Erin, Blake, Travis, Brittany, Lauren, Taylor, Chelsea, Kaitlin, and Paige, and great-granddaughter, Cali.

Jeff was born in North Hollywood, California spent most of his early childhood there. During his early teens his family moved to Sao Paulo, Brazil. Intent on a basketball scholarship, he returned to California his junior year in high school to live with his grandparents. He graduated from North Hollywood High in 1953 with a full-ride, 4-year basketball scholarship to Texas A&M University. He majored in animal husbandry and graduated in 1957. While at A&M he enlisted in the Corp of Cadets and was very proud of his service in the Army afterwards. During his summer break between sophomore and junior years, while working as a life guard in Galveston, he met the love of his life, Marian Prino. In 1955 they married.

Jeff traversed the globe creating 25 homes in four countries, meanwhile visiting, working and sharing his gifts in over 50 other countries. He had a tremendous respect for, and honored people of all races, creeds and cultures. His travels gave him a profound pride and loyalty for his homeland. Jeff believed that “liberty and freedom for all” has been and continues to be worth defending.

In 1996, Jeff and Marian moved to Georgetown, Texas. They adopted the Georgetown High School Lady Eagles and helped establish the Sun City Booster Club. “Tio” treasured sideline coaching and watching his girls mature and bloom in both talent and heart. When Marian passed in 2003, he established a scholarship in her name. He so loved the Lady Eagles that he adopted them as his extended family and considered their coach, Rhonda Farney, as a daughter.

One of Jeff’s greatest thrills was watching his nine grandchildren involved in their school activities. He traveled near and far to see them participate in their respective endeavors. He often may have had a few choice words, but he loved them with great pride.

In 2012, he moved to Provident Crossings where he resided until his death. He was continually singing their praises and thoroughly enjoyed his life at the residence. He continued to make lasting friendships and loved his time at the bridge table and smoking his cigars on the patio shooting the breeze.

A memorial service will be held in his honor at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 10th at Provident Crossings, 1950 S. AW Grimes Blvd, Round Rock, Texas 78664.

In lieu of flowers, Jeff’s wishes are that contributions be made in his honor to: The Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Arrangements by Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home, 2900 Williams Drive, Georgetown, Texas 78628 (512)863-2564.