George B. Watts

George B. Watts, Lt Col, USAF (Retired) flew his final mission on December 22, 2016. He was at home for his preflight in Lacey, Washington, with his beloved wife of 42 years, Mary, by his side, and his son, Bryant, close to his heart. George was a native of New England, born in Boston on September 3, 1946, and living his early years in Massachusetts and Michigan. He attended Denison University in Granville, Ohio, graduating in 1968. He received his USAF commission through Officer Training School in 1969 and went on to receive his pilot wings at Reese AFB, Lubbock, Texas in 1970. During his 21-year USAF career, George flew over 4,000 hours in mainly B-52D and F-111 aircraft, with 1,000 hours of combat flying over 200 missions in Southeast Asia during 1971-1973, from Utapao Thailand and Anderson AFB Guam, and with over 100 missions in North Vietnam and Northern Laos. He was a true hero, being awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses for heroism in aerial combat and eight Air medals, in addition to numerous other citations. He was very proud of flying multiple missions to Hanoi, North Vietnam during Operations Linebacker I and Linebacker II in 1972, and had the pleasure of meeting American POWs, including Senator John McCain, at reunions and again later in life. George was awarded the Fairchild Trophy and Top FB-111 Pilot during 1979 SAC Giant Voice competitions. His career also included time as a Commander at the United States Air Force Academy, where he positively influenced the life of future officers through his professional and personal attention to their career paths and lives. After retirement from USAF, George served 25 plus years as a Program Director and Regional Manager with TRW/Northrop Grumman Inc. in Colorado Springs, Denver, and Burlington, Vermont. He also served as Executive Director of the Central Oklahoma Centennial Commission in Guthrie Oklahoma, where he directed the establishment and execution of the State Centennial Celebration in Central Oklahoma from 2005 through 2007. He was President of the Guthrie, Oklahoma Lions Club, and active in American Legion and many local activities. George’s final retirement, after 45 years of service to his nation, was in May 2015. George and Mary retired to their wonderful community in Lacey, Washington in July 2013. George remained active in the community with the Emergency Preparedness Council, HAM radio groups, local military organizations, and traveled often with Mary to Disney World, and to achieve their “bucket list” of places to visit. George is survived and deeply loved by Mary and his son, Bryant; he stands next to both as they continue in life without him. He is also survived by his brother, Richard of Potomac, Maryland; and his cousin, Susan Schwarm of Boston, Massachusetts, who he loved like a sister. George wanted to be remembered as “An Officer and Gentleman…and a Hell of a Combat Pilot.” We know he is flying his beloved FB-111, and riding his great roping horse “Drifter” now and forever. Please leave memories of George or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.