George Louis Dacy

The Celebration of a Wonderful Life George Louis Dacy passed away on Wednesday, March 3, 2010. Born in Austin, Texas on June 18, 1921, he graduated from Austin High School in 1938. Prior to December 7, 1941, he enrolled in Officer Candidate School, United States Marine Corps., so when that fateful day occurred, he had an idea of what would be in store for him in the next few years. Although retired with the rank of Major, his combat experience in World War II was as Captain, Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, First Marine Division. On September 15, 1944, the First Marine Division invaded the island of Peleliu, commencing the most horrific ten days of his young life. George often remarked that the best day of his life during the war occurred April 1, 1945, when the 1st Marines invaded Okinawa. He had expected to receive the same hell on earth he had received on Peleliu, but the Okinawa landing was unopposed. On Okinawa, hell came later. When the war ended, George returned to Austin, rejoined the Delta Chi fraternity and graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in business, and worked with his father in the family enterprise; Dacys' Shoe Store on Congress Avenue. There he met Laverne Duzan, the love of his life. They were married July 8, 1949 in Austin. Together, they raised three sons in an American Dream setting. George was a Scoutmaster and PTA president at Wooldridge Elementary. In service to Christ, he was a vestry member, confirmation class instructor, and Sunday school teacher at St. David's Episcopal Church. Service to community was always an important part of his life. For many years, he ran the Austin High School Class of '38 re-union. He was a Life Member of Optimist International, and one time president of the Downtown Austin Optimist Club. He ran their Christmas tree lot on North Lamar for many years, as if it were his own business. He was also a member/advisor of the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity at the University of Texas. In that capacity, he positively impacted the lives of thousands of young people. In 2002 he was named APO pledge class namesake for the entire country. After retiring in 1981, George, with Laverne always at his side, continued to perform community service while teaching his sons what grandparenting is all about. George is predeceased by his parents Joe and Margaret Dacy, and by his loving and devoted wife, Laverne. Left to love, remember, emulate, and honor him in this life are son Joe Dacy II and wife Jennifer of Waxahachie, son Robert Louis Dacy and wife Grace of Austin, son David Wayne Dacy and wife Nancy of Austin, brothers Donald and Douglas Dacy of Buda, sister Ruth Prestwood of Austin, sister-in-law Doris Wells of Temple, and nieces Karen Wells, Linda Vitek, Kathleen Wilson, and nephew Clyde Prestwood, Jr. George is also survived by nine grandchildren; George and wife Jennifer, Kelly, Robert, Jr., Megan, Christopher, Dylan, Alexis, and Colin Dacy, as well as Catherine Howry, newlywed to Sterling. George is also survived by two great grandchildren; Zach and Layla, and a collection of uncles known as "The Louis Boys" and their progeny. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 9, 6-8 pm at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 North Lamar. A service celebrating George's wonderful life will be Wednesday, March 10, 11 am at St. David's Episcopal Church with interment following at Austin Memorial Park. By any measure, George Louis Dacy led a blessed and exemplary life. He put his life on the line to defend his country. In matters of business, he was a rare example of fairness, honesty, and integrity. Few have worked more diligently in service to their community. No one could have been a more loyal, loving, selfless, devoted husband and father. Faith in and service to Jesus Christ were always part of his life. He left a beautiful mark on this world. We will miss him and we will remember him, even as we rejoice in knowing he is now re-united with his wife in Heaven. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christopher House, St. David's Church Endowment Fund, or a charity of the donor's choice.