George E. Sullivan

After a very full and satisfying life, at the age of 89, George E. Sullivan left this world to go be with his beloved Jesus. He was born in rural Pennsylvania, at home with no doctor or midwife present. George sold eggs for money and dug coal to heat his home. Early on, he fell in love with airplanes and knew he wanted to be a pilot. When WWII broke out, he volunteered for Pilot Training with the Army Air Corps at Gunter Air Force Base. During this time he met and married Wylene Ballard. He had a distinguished career of 32 1/2 years, highly decorated, to include receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Bronze Star. He was a veteran of 3 wars: WWII, Korea, and Viet Nam, and was stationed in various places including France, and Ethiopia where he served as the advisor to the Ethiopian Air Force.

George and his wife, Wylene, traveled to many different places and raised a family. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force and began to devote many hours to his Church and was baptized at Heritage Baptist Church in 1974, where he later served as a deacon. At age 79 he competed in the Alabama Olympics and won in the discus, the javelin, and the shot putt. He went on to the National Senior Olympics and competed with senior athletes from across the USA. He competed again in the Nationals in Pittsburgh at the age of 84 adding another event - the 100 meter dash. He qualified this year for the Nationals in 2011. His love of physical fitness led him to form a seniors' physical fitness program at Heritage Baptist Church after obtaining his PT certification. He was very proud of being inducted into the Hall of Fame of Brentwood High School in 2002, for lifelong accomplishments.

After struggling with Lupus for most of her life, his wife of 64 years passed away. During her last years he was her primary care taker and devoted himself to her care and well being. Her death left him deeply alone and he had almost given up on living until he met his new bride, Karen Trawick. After a short engagement they were married on December 13, 2008. Not only did they share a love for each other, they also shared a love for their country and became very involved in the local Tea Party movement. They traveled to Washington DC to attend the National Tea Party Convention.

His heart finally gave way after a short illness. He will be buried with full military honors. He was well loved and respected by his family and so many friends and will be sorely missed. His grandchildren told him he was their hero. He did not want to be presented as a hero, but only as humble child of God. Over the past year George told his loved ones he was so blessed to have been given everything he ever wanted in this life: he had two wonderful wives, was able to fly airplanes, especially jets, lived in exotic places, and had a wonderful, loving family. He had missed nothing and was so thankful to God for everything!

He is survived by his second wife, Karen Trawick Sullivan. Children - Lynda Clemons (Jerry), Nancy Murguia (Jerry), Beth Veres (John, III), George Sullivan, Kevin Sullivan (Paige). He also leaves 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Pall Bearers are Andy Wilson, Mark Fleming, Adam Fleming, Johnny Veres, Jordan Sullivan, and Evan Sullivan.

Visitation will be at the White Chapel-Greenwood Funeral Home on Friday, November 5, 2010 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. The funeral will be at Heritage Baptist Church on Saturday on November 6th, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. The family requests NO FLOWERS. If you would like, you may make a donation in his name to the Ministerial Scholarship Fund at Heritage Baptist Church.

Arrangements under the direction of White Chapel-Greenwood Funeral Home, Montgomery, AL.