George H. Golden Jr.

George H. Golden Jr. VIRGINIA BEACH - George H. Golden Jr., 83, passed away peacefully Jan. 30, 2009, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family and friends. Mr. Golden was born Aug. 18, 1925, in Chattanooga, Tenn., to the late George H. Golden Sr. and Lilly Dietz. Survivors include his loving wife of 63 years, Bessie Mae (Back) Golden; three daughters, Patricia Marie Simmons of Virginia Beach, Katherine Darlene Golden of Virginia Beach and Linda Mae Thomas and husband Joe of Virginia Beach; brother, Edward Eugene Turner and wife Sue of Hixson, Tenn.; sisters, Annabelle Honeycutt and husband Shane of Ringgold, Ga.; Louise Robinson of Memphis, Tenn., and Elaine Matherey of Chesapeake. George was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed family outings surrounded by his seven grandchildren, Georgina Nelson and her husband Scott of Hixson, Faith Randle and her husband John of Virginia Beach, Hope Poulter and her husband Chuck of Chesapeake, David Van Hoose of Virginia Beach, Stephanie Arrington of Virginia Beach, Nicole Rhodes and her husband Kevin of Virginia Beach and Gene Arrington of Chesapeake and 13 adorable great-grandchildren. He enjoyed spending quality time with his family and was very proud of all of them. He joined the U.S. Navy at age 17. He served 30 years and retired as a lieutenant commander. He fought with no regrets in serving his country through World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He was the engineering officer aboard the ill-fated USS Liberty (AGTR-5) that was attacked during the Six-Day War. He was awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart for his heroic achievements June 8, 1967. His ribbons and medals included the Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Combat Action Ribbon (1941), Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Berlin Airlift Ribbon, two Silver Stars and two Purple Hearts, UN Korean Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal with three stars, Korean Service Medal, ROK War Service, China Service, American Defense, National Defense One Star, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign with two Silver Stars, Europe-Africa-Middle East, World War II Occupation Medal Navy, Victory Medal World War II, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal with two stars, Vietnam Campaign and the U.S. Vietnam Service Medal. He was a member of Norview Lodge No. 113 AF & AM. He completed 51 years of Membership in the Masonic Fraternity. George was the Past Potentate of Khedive Temple. He served on the Board of Governors at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Greenville for 10 years. Additional assignments included past secretary and treasurer South Atlantic Shrine Association, Past Commander of Legion of Honor, Past Captain of Mini-Model "T," Director of Uniform Units, past president of South Atlantic Motor Corps Association, member of the Virginia Beach Shrine Club and honorary member of numerous Shrine Clubs. He was the Past Commander of the National Sojourners, Chapter No. 424 and Past Commander Heroes of '76. He was a member of DAV Branch 20 and Fleet Reserve 99. He served as a deacon at Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church in Chesapeake. He is a member of Parkway Christian Center in Chesapeake. His interests included fishing, boating and international traveling with his wife. He was an avid "Cowboy" fan and he never met a stranger in his life. He had a great sense of humor and possessed the unique ability to make people laugh. He was often called "Twinkle Toes" by his daughters due to his love of dancing. He never lost his sense of humor during his final days. The family would like to express their gratitude and thanks to the entire Hospice Staff of Chesapeake. Special thanks to his favorite hospice nurse, Linda and his two CNAs, Michelle and Georgette. The family will receive friends at the viewing today between 6 and 8 p.m. in Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23502. A celebration of his life will be held at the same location Monday at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be expressed at www.woodlawngroup.com. Patricia, Katherine and Linda would like to express their love and gratitude to Mom for her selfless devotion to Dad.