George R. Swilley

George Reson Swilley passed Friday, March 16, 2018 in Houston, Texas.  George was born September 18, 1922 in Trinity, Texas. He graduated from Livingston High School. After high school he attended Texas A&M University. Schooling was interrupted by WWII with a tour in the European Theater of Operations (England, France & Germany).  Upon the end of WWII, he returned to Texas A&M and completed college with a Bachelor of Science Degree, Class of 1943. After graduation, George moved to Houston and worked for IBM for 3 1/2 years. George remained a member of the Army Active Reserve. He was called back to active duty in January 1951 during the Korean War.

George attended flight school at San Marcos Air Force Base and learned to fly twin engine planes, fixed wing planes, and helicopters.  This resulted in another tour of duty in Europe (Italy and Austria) followed by tours in the US (Arizona, Washington, D.C., and Washington State).  He also did two tours of duty in Vietnam.

After serving his country for 26 years, Lt. Colonel George Swilley retired January 31, 1974 and made his home in Houston, Texas. George enjoyed many hobbies including video editing, music, and especially photography.  He would often reminisce of printing black and white photos in the dark room he created in his childhood bedroom. He enjoyed editing and printing photos on his computer up to his final days. George was such a caring and giving person. He loved to restore and print photos for family and friends leaving them with lasting memories they always cherish.

George was preceded in death by his parents William Caraway Swilley and Vera Annie Swilley and his beloved dog Max. He is survived by his long time friend and partner  of over 20 years James Wong, Jr., sister Vera Louise Campbell of Galveston, Texas, and nephew Paul Chesley Campbell of Saginaw, Texas.  Visitation will begin on Tuesday March 20, 2018 from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South, 1700 S.E. Military Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78214 . Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at 1:00 pm at the funeral home.  Interment to follow at Mission Burial Park South.

A celebration of life to honor  George Swilley will be held in Houston, Texas on Sunday March 25, 2018 from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm at Bradshaw-Carter Memorial and Funeral Services, 1734 W. Alabama (713-521-0066).