Colonel (Ret.) George F. Tracy Jr

1937 - 2023

Colonel (Ret.) George F. Tracy, Jr
May 21, 1937 - December 25, 2023
Colonel (Ret.) George F. Tracy, Jr, a highly respected officer of the United States Air Force, passed away on December 25, 2023, at the age of 86, with his two daughters by his side. George was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey on May 21, 1937, to George and Hazel Tracy. Growing up in Margate, NJ, George was a good student and considered athletic, participating in baseball, basketball, and relished ocean swimming and rowing. He graduated Atlantic City HS in 1955 and went on to study at (then) Gettysburg College. While in college, George became a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, and received his Bachelor's degree in Biology in 1959.
George worked for the Atlantic City Beach Patrol summers throughout high school and college. It was during his time on the beach he met his lifetime love, Regina Convill, of Philadelphia, PA; they married October 20, 1962, in Ventnor, NJ.
While George had a short stint teaching middle school in Northfield, NJ post-graduation, it was his time with the New Jersey Air National Guard that ultimately guided him to be fully commissioned in the US Air Force. Throughout his distinguished 28-year military career, George specialized in foreign military sales and training, regularly operating in a joint service capacity, and stationed at Keesler AFB (Biloxi, MS), JUSMAGTHAI (Bangkok, Thailand), Camp Smith (Honolulu, HI), the Pentagon, Fort Lee (Richmond, VA) and two tours at Randolph AFB (San Antonio, TX); he also worked closely with governmental entities of Japan, Egypt, Cambodia and Saudi Arabia. While serving, he received his Masters of Education at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio (1973).
Following his retirement from the Air Force in 1992, George returned to San Antonio and began his second career as a middle school science teacher for Northside Independent School District until 2004. George was a long-time member of the San Antonio Harp & Shamrock Society, receiving Irishman of the Year in 2009. George was a lifelong fan of the St Louis Cardinals but best known for his loyal enthusiasm of the Philadelphia Eagles.
George dedicated his life to serving his country with dedication and valor. He is survived by daughters Christine Bryan (Roger) of San Antonio, TX and Kathleen Bazzel (David) of Winter Haven, FL; and grandchildren Taylor Carter, Kevin Carter, Jordan Santiago, Brandon Santiago (Gloria), Jameson Santiago, Nicolas Bazzel, and Gianna Bazzel; and brothers Emerson Tracy (Barrie Jane), William Tracy (Judy) and Martin Tracy (Peggy); and sister-in-law Dianne Tracy. He is preceded in death by his wife Regina (2019) and brother Robert Tracy (2017).
A memorial service to honor George will be held at 9 am, Wednesday, January 17th at St. Matthews, 810 Kitty Hawk Rd, Universal City, TX 78148. Following the service there will be an interment ceremony at Fort Sam Houston National Ceremony. The family requests memorials be made to Clarity Child Guidance Center at https://www.claritycgc.org/give-now/.