George Gluyas

Family-Placed Death Notice

George L. Gluyas, a devoted husband and father, passed into the arms of Jesus early Sunday morning, August 21, 2005. He was an active member in his church while he was physically able and a faithful servant of God always. He ran the good race for 79 years. George was a lover of flight. As a young man growing up in New Jersey and Mississippi, he was, as he called himself, a "modeler". He designed, built, and flew model aircraft. During WWII, he volunteered for combat and served in the Army Air Corps as a cadet in the pilot training program. At the close of the war, he enrolled in Georgia Tech. He was active in his fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi. He graduated early, in December of 1948, with honors, and a degree in aeronautical engineering. His hobby became his life's work. He was a brilliant and gifted engineer. He held patents on, or had a prominent role in the success of, such aircraft as the T38, F5, YF17 (F18), among many others including the Stealth Bomber. At Northrup Grumman, where he worked for so many years, he was referred to by newer employees as "one of the Hall of Famers". George married Bette Wrae Spence Brasseale of Villa Rica, GA in 1949. They made a home in California where they raised four children and provided a "family" for many others. They stayed the course through thick and thin, better or worse and remained loyal to one another for 56 years. Bette preceded George into the new life on February 8th of this year. George was also preceded by his brothers Tom and Oliver Gluyas and by his daughter Rebecca Jean Condie. He is survived and deeply missed by his beloved big sister, Alice Whalely, of Leesburg, Fl., his loving and grateful children, Elizabeth Cochran of Visalia, Ca., Wade Gluyas of Murrieta, Ca., Leslie Grimes of Alta Loma, Ca. as well as nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. As a friend said, "He brought music when there was none, dancing and laughter." We will miss the twinkle in his big blue eyes, the warmth of his laughter, his quick wit and quiet strength. He leaves with us a legacy of faith, flight and devotion. He has shown us joy of life and grace in suffering. He is remembered as a great dad and a good man. The world is a better place for his having been in it. "Well done good and faithful servant". Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 28, 10 AM at Evans-Brown Sun City Mortuary. Gravesite services will follow at Murrieta Valley Cemetery. Evans-Brown Mortuaries, 951-679-1114.