George Anthony Rockers

George Anthony Rockers, age 77, of Galveston, TX joined our heavenly father on Friday, August 2nd, 2024, leaving behind a loving family and a wealth of friends.

George is survived by his three children; Jeremy Rockers; Elijah Rockers and wife Hima; Caitlin Rockers and partner Jean-François; and grandchildren James Anthony Rockers and Evangeline Louise Turcotte Rockers, whom he loved bragging about to his friends and neighbors. He is also survived by his sisters, Jeanette, Joan, and Sarah; his brother, Dwight; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved. George was preceded in death by his parents, James and Dorothy Rockers (née Filley), and his sister Mary.

Born August 25th 1946, the oldest of six siblings, George spent the early years of his life in Kansas. He graduated from Hiawatha High School in 1964 and subsequently attended Kansas State University. Shortly thereafter, he was hired by Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, gaining early experience that would later serve him in the United States Navy. George identified proudly as a Seabee of the Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 302, serving in Guam as an Electronics Technician (Communications) Petty Officer 2nd Class, and later in active combat in the Vietnam war from 1968-1970.

Upon his return from service, George rejoined Southwestern Bell. In 1978 he was given the opportunity to transfer permanently to Galveston, TX, where he maintained critical communications infrastructure. George retired from Southwestern Bell after 37 years of loyal service. An ardent ‘Islander by Choice’, he continued to enjoy soaking in the island lifestyle through 21 happy years of retirement.

He was a life-long learner who enrolled in continuous learning classes at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). He enjoyed learning to play the ukulele, paddling around with friends at the Lasker Pool, and rocking out with his bandmates from TP and the Emergency. He was an enthusiastic member of the Lions Club and the Elks Club, volunteering his time and his compassion in many social and civic organizations throughout his life.

George was an ardent supporter of and volunteer for the Boy Scouts of America. He was a Scoutmaster for Troop 169 of the Bay Area Council, Chairman of the Galveston-Houston Archdiocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting, and he earned the Silver Beaver Award, a distinguished national award given only to those who do not seek it, and who have made an impact on the lives of youth through hard work, self-sacrifice, and many years of service.

He led a salubrious life and was a truly voracious reader and itinerant blues harpist, who enjoyed back-country camping, motorcycles, reading, scuba diving, art, video games, loud music of all kinds, rare-cooked steak, bird-watching, and more reading. He was a passionate collector of many things including first edition books, fountain pens, military medals, coins, stamps, beer steins, and more books. He was known to get his groove on and was never ashamed to act silly when the occasion called for it. George was a pirate at heart and loved all things pertaining to 17th century naval history. He regularly enjoyed swashbuckling adventures with his fellow pirate crewmates. Above all, George loved his family.

The service will be a private ceremony for friends and family. For details on the service, please contact his son by e-mail, at elijah.rockers@gmail.com.