George Bevis

BEVIS, GEORGE 85 - of Tequesta, FL, died May 6, 2008, at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, from complications following coronary bypass surgery. He was the son of Thomas Bevis and Eva Hampton, of Green Creek. George, known to childhood friends as Henry, or Hank, was a graduate of Middle Township High School, Cape May Court House. After leaving Green Creek and serving in the Air Force, George resided on Long Beach Island, for more than 50 years. He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Eleanor. George was a skilled carpenter and craftsman of the old school, as well as a motivated entrepreneur. He built the Drifting Sands Motel, Ship Bottom, in 1963, and owned and operated it until his retirement in 2000. George spent his retirement years fishing and exploring with his family in Cape Cod, Long Beach Island, and Florida. He enjoyed landscaping and spending time with neighbors seasonally in a new Manahawkin home. Always on the cutting edge, George was enraptured with the newest technologies, from the GPS and digital photography to the Internet. George settled on Long Beach Island in 1952 and worked as a self-employed building contractor of custom homes for nearly 20 years. He was an active member of the community. George belonged to the Ship Bottom Volunteer Fire Company. He served as Ship Bottom Building Inspector for the years 1963 and 1964, and as a member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment for 1966. In those years, George was a member of the Ship Bottom Men's Regular Republican Club, the Exchange Club, and he participated in the bowling leagues at Manahawkin Lanes. Aviation was his lifelong passion. George served as a pilot in the United States Army Air Force, with a rank of First Lieutenant in the 35 Fighter Control Squadron, on active duty as Pilot from December 1944 through October 1946 in the Air Offensive Japan. He completed his aeronautics training at the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to enlisting, George worked as an aircraft sheet metal extrusion mechanic, shaping and assembling planes for the war effort at Lockheed Martin, in Baltimore, Maryland. As a civilian, George continued to pursue aviation, flying a Piper Cherokee out of the Manahawkin Airport. He attained his Commercial Pilot license, Airplane Single and Multiengine Land and Instrument rating. On the morning of May 1, 2008, when George was told by the SOCH emergency room staff that he would be airlifted by helicopter to Jefferson Hospital, he broke out in a huge smile and said, "A helicopter! I've always wanted to ride in a helicopter. That's one thing in life I thought I'd never get to do!" George's fascination with technology was balanced by a profound love and understanding of nature. With deep roots in South Jersey, George was an adept hunter, trapper and bayman. He could drop a flock of ducks to his feet with a few short calls. His talents and ambition were evident early on. The son of a boat builder, as a youth with an entrepreneurial spirit, he built a fleet of rowboats that he rented to tourists on the Delaware Bay. George was the beloved father of three daughters. He is survived by Dr. Judith Bevis and son-in-law Ron Brooks, of Swampscott, Massachusetts; Carolyn Bevis, of Mayetta, Joyce Bevis, and son-in-law Lloyd Little, of Ship Bottom. He leaves four grandchildren, Drew and Ellen Bevis Brooks, of Swampscott, Massachusetts, and Brooke and Colton Little, of Ship Bottom. He is also survived by one brother and two sisters; Thomas Bevis, of Green Creek, Mae Eldredge, of Pennsauken, and Freda Wilson, of Fishing Creek. George was predeceased by brothers and sisters Milton Bevis, Elnora Orsini, Walter Bevis, Lewis Bevis, Earl Bevis, and Eva Lochrey. He leaves behind ten nieces and nephews. A mass will be said at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 4700 Long Beach Blvd., Brant Beach, on Friday, May 23. Prior to the mass, the family will greet those wishing to pay their respects beginning at 10:30 a.m. The mass begins at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Manahawkin. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SOCH Foundation, 1140 Route 72 West, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. Thos. L. Shinn FH., 10 Hilliard Drive, Manahawkin, is in charge of the arrangements.