George "Butch" Ebenezer Mowery, III

George E. Mowery III, lovingly known as "Butch," passed away peacefully on December 7, 2024, in Inverness, FL, surrounded by family and love. He was 87 years old and left a lasting mark on this world.

Born on September 17, 1937, in Reading, PA, George lived a life that was anything but ordinary. After graduating from Reading High School, he joined the U.S. Air Force and spent 23 years serving his country with distinction, including five tours of duty in Vietnam and over 250 combat missions. Along the way, he earned numerous honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal with 12 Oak Leaf Clusters.

In 1958, George married the love of his life, Julia. For 66 incredible years, they shared a partnership full of laughter, love, and just enough stubbornness to keep things interesting. Together, they raised five beautiful daughters who inherited their dad’s grit and determination. George is survived by his wife, Julia; two brothers, Curtis and Glenn; his five daughters and 3 son-in-laws, Susan and Bill, Wendy and Edward, Beverley, Caroline and Marcus, and Shelley; 10 grandchildren; and 14 (and counting!) great-grandchildren.

After retiring from the Air Force, George didn’t slow down for a second. He eventually followed his passion for woodworking and became a master craftsman in North Port, FL. His custom furniture and cabinetry are sprinkled up and down Florida’s Gulf Coast, each piece a testament to his skill, creativity, and refusal to do anything less than exceptional.

When George wasn’t busy building masterpieces, he and Julia hit the open road, spending a decade traveling the country in their RV. Together, they crisscrossed the U.S., visiting their daughters and grandchildren and creating cherished memories along the way. It was the adventure of a lifetime—and, knowing George, probably filled with plenty of detours and stories that only he could tell.

George was the kind of guy who never settled for “good enough.” If there was a better way to do something, he’d find it. He lived life on his terms, his humor was quick, his determination was unstoppable, and his care for his loved ones knew no bounds.

A celebration of George’s incredible life will be held at a later date. In the meantime, his family asks that you honor his memory by finding your own better way to do something—and maybe sharing a good story while you’re at it.