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George Avila, Sr a well known citizen of Turlock passed away Saturday May 12, 2012. In the home he and his wife Lupe had built their lives together in, during the evening around sunset and surrounded by members of his loving family, this strong man finally succumbed to ailments related to congestive heart failure, a battle he had fought right to the end. He knew he was loved dearly and that he wasn’t alone as he made that last journey. George was well know locally for his participation in a myriad of activities that supported all military veterans of this country that he honored and loved so well. To his “combat buddies” (some like him, who returned home) who fought and died shoulder to shoulder with him, especially during the Battle of the Bulge, he has kept the faith. Well done George! Mission complete, and now for the much-deserved rest that had eluded him as it did so many WWII veterans. Rest in Peace. He may be remembered for doing those things he believed to be his patriotic duty. Such as year after year, raising and lowering the flag during each home game contested in the Turlock High School stadium. When no other members of the Honor Guard could make it, he performed the solemn ceremony alone. He and wife Lupe have both been interviewed and featured several times over the years by local newspapers because of the patriotism that they lived and still live their lives by. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, rather than waiting the few months until graduation, when he was old enough he left school to join the U.S. Army. He was a member of the Class of ’44 and would have graduated with them had he not enlisted to fight his country’s war. When he returned home he continued his education, often studying and reading into the night. By June 3rd, 1961 he had earned his diploma through Adult high school and Modesto Junior College’s first Cap and Gown class. Using skills he had learned in the Army he found permanent employed with T.I.D. working for them for 38 years before retiring. He was preceded in death by his parents David and Amelia Avila, young brother Arthur and sister Lilly (Avila) Alcantar of Salinas CA. Left to carry on without him are his immediate family; wife of 63 years Guadalupe (Lupe) Meza, brother Freddie, and sons George Arthur and family, Stephen David, and Timothy Gregg Avila. George was loved by, as he loved dearly, his nephews and nieces, remaining aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as life-long friends that were so close they might just as well have been members of each other’s families. His nieces were especially important and loved as daughters he and Lupe didn’t have. The numbers of people, family and friends, are just too numerous to name here. His family asks your indulgence in this and will see you all over the next few days as we gather to mourn yes, and to remember a life well lived, a life that had meaning. Good night love of my life. Good night Dad. Good night Pop, Good night Daddy. Good night Uncle George….. WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH Rest in Peace. ... "Freedom is never an achieved state; like electricity, we've got to keep generating it or the lights go out. ... "The greatest tyrannies are always perpetrated in the name of the noblest causes....

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George Armenta Avila

October 1, 1925 - May 12, 2012