George Rue Schmoke Jr., 91, of Springfield, MA, was called home by our Heavenly Father on January 9, 2021. George, son of the late George and Bernadette (Banks) Schmoke Sr., was born in Fall River MA, on July 23, 1929. Raised in Fall River, he was a graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School and went on to attend courses at Springfield Technical Community College. George proudly served his country in the United States Navy in 1947 to 1950; where he became one of the very few black helmsman. In 1951 George joined the United States Army Infantry becoming a Private First Class. He played in the 82nd division, 440th and 17th Army Corp band. Upon leaving the Army in 1955, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he became a Tech Sergeant. George retired in 1974 after battling in the Korean and Vietnam War and completing two tours in Vietnam. He gave 27 faithful years of service and proclaimed the Air Force as the best military branch he ever served. He worked for Hamilton Standard upon his retirement from the military, later began a career as a mail handler for the United States Post Office for 16 years and a local school bus driver with First Student for 40 years retiring at 86 years young in 2015. George was a loyal, active member of Bethlehem Baptist Community Church in Holyoke, MA since 1974. Serving as president of the men’s department for a season and proudly singing in the men’s and mass choir with his famous baritone voice for many years. George, the patriarch of his family loved them very much. He was a people person, enjoyed going to the movies, watching westerns, and CNN. He told great stories of the past. He was full of valor, wisdom, respect, honesty and always a gentlemen. A dignified man who soldiered on, his legacy will forever be remembered. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by the love of his life for 52 years, his wife Luetta (Partin) Schmoke; his son, Michael George Schmoke; and his brother, Edward Fester Schmoke. George will be missed by all who knew him including his sons, Carl Edward Schmoke of Bloomfield, CT, and Gregory Thomas Schmoke Sr., wife Angela of Springfield, MA; his grandchildren, Kainé Compton husband Jody Sr., Mattina Schmoke, Shauna Schmoke, Leslie Reid husband Ryan, and Gregory Schmoke Jr; his great grandchildren, Zariah Fleming, Jayel Compton, Jordan Compton, A’mya Fleming, Rylie Reid, Jody Compton Jr., Landon Reid, Carter Gains, and Caiden Gains; brother in-law Alfred Partin, Goddaughter, Terry Morris; Godson, Zachary Morris; extended daughter Diane Jacobs along with many family members and friends. Visiting Hours will be held Wednesday, January 20, 2021 from 10AM to 11:00AM at Holy Ghost Temple church, 30 Massasoit Ave, West Springfield, for public viewing. A private funeral service will follow beginning at 11:30AM. All attendees must follow COVID regulations. A private burial will follow at 2PM in the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St., Agawam.