He was born on August 9, 1928 in Beaufort, NC to parents Bertie Lee and James Vernon Caffrey into a family of four siblings; he attended public schools in both Beaufort and in Virginia Beach, VA when the family moved there during WWII.
After serving as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force as a control tower operator during the Korean War, he worked in the same field until attending East Carolina University in Greenville, NC where he received a degree in Business Education. He completed his Master's Degree later at the George Peabody School of Education, Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. The majority of his career was spent in public education, teaching at the secondary level in several states.
He married Roberta Anne Stickley in 1957, and they enjoyed 54 years together, rearing a family and engaged in much traveling: with children camping in earlier years and after retirement, international travel. During their time in Grenada, WI with Project Hope, George was Headmaster of the International School under the auspices of USAID. During their time in Swaziland, Africa with the same organization, he assisted as president of a board of international expatriates and nationals with the establishment of a hospice program for the Swazi people, Swaziland Hospice at Home, still in existence today.
The Downtown Lion's Club was a favorite organization of George's, and he participated as much as his health permitted. He especially favored the Lion's Camp for Children in Kerrville, TX.
George is survived by his wife, Roberta Anne, of Odessa, TX; his daughter, Deborah Romano of WV; and a son, George Martin Caffrey, Jr. of California. He is also survived by his brothers James V. Caffrey, David S. Caffrey, Thomas Caffrey and a sister, Bessie Morse. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Robert W. Caffrey.
A memorial service will be held at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 2 PM with the Rev. David Mossbarger presiding.
Memorials may be made to St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, the West Texas Food Bank or Christ Anglican Church.
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