George G. Altman

George Gustave Altman, 96, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2014, surrounded by his family. George was born Oct. 11, 1918 to Dr. Gustave and Estelle Altman of Helena, Arkansas. After an idyllic childhood in Helena, the family moved to Louisville, Ky. where, George joined the Boy Scouts and enjoyed camping and canoeing adventures along the Ohio River on his way to becoming an Eagle Scout. He was confirmed at Adath Israel Temple in Louisville in1933. George graduated from the University of Louisville and attended The United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. He served as an officer in the Army Air Corps during WWII, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. He was always proud of the recognition he received from senior military commanders for significantly improving the efficiency of retrofitting aircraft for combat at six air bases in the US. In 1945 while stationed at Hunter Air Field in Savannah, he met and married a young volunteer nurses aide, Frances Karp. They founded and operated Altman Realty Company in Savannah for many years until George was offered a senior position with the FAA in Atlanta as Director of Airport Operations from Panama Canal Zone to Virginia. George was subsequently recruited by Raytheon Corporation, and after several years, retired again. George is remembered by all who knew him as a man of the highest moral standards, a dry wit, and a great intellect. He never had a harsh word for anyone, and upheld the highest traditions of Judaism. He instilled in his children, and his grandchildren, a deep appreciation of learning and the joy of observing the world and its people. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his grandchildren and remains an inspiration to them He is survived by Frances, his wife of 69 years, their three children, Gary, Bonnie and Craig, five grandchildren and six great-grandsons. Graveside services will be held on Sunday afternoon, November 30th at two o’clock at Arlington Memorial Park. Arrangements by H. M. Patterson & Son Arlington Chapel.