Chief Master Sergeant George W. Metz, 91, of Vero Beach, Fla., died Feb. 17, 2013, at his residence.
He was born in Cairo, W.Va., and lived in Vero Beach for the past 41 years.
After graduating from high school he joined the Army Air Corps assigned to the First Fighters Group at Selfridge Field, Mich., with P-38 Lightnings. During World War II he served in England, North Africa, Sicily, Sardinia and Italy. After the war he continued his career in the U.S. Air Force serving in other parts of the world including Puerto Rico, England and Spain. He retired in 1969 after 28 years in the military.
Soon after retiring, he entered into the retail business, owning Hopper's Shoe stores in Vero Beach and Stuart for 17 years. He was a member of the Air Force Sergeant's Association, Mokanna Masonic Lodge 329 F.& A.M. Orlando, Fla., Community Church of Vero Beach, and a past member of the Winnebago and Allegro Travel Clubs.
Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Ann Metz; sister, Lucy Cottrill, and brothers, David and Ralph Metz, all of West Virginia; daughter, Patti Metz of Vero Beach; son, G. Wayne Metz of Lake Butler, Fla.; stepson, H.A. (Danny) McDaniel of Tallahassee, Fla.; stepdaughter, Lt. Col. Dana McDaniel, United States Army, of Newberry, Fla.; stepdaughter, Diane McDaniel of Vero Beach; five grandchildren; and three step-grandchildren.
George was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Metz; his brother, Carl J. Metz; and sisters, Della Williamson, Ora Dunlevy, Lorene Reed and Goldie Toothman.
Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Friday at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory in Vero Beach. A funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. with Joel Reif of Community Church officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3918.
Memorial contributions may be made to Shriner's Hospital for Children at 12502 USF Pine Dr., Tampa, FL 33612.
Arrangements are entrusted to Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory in Vero Beach.
Online condolences may be sent at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com
