George Criddle
1939- 2008

George Taylor Criddle passed away due to natural causes at his home in New Port Richey, Florida, January 6, 2008. George was a native of Columbia, graduating from Dreher High School in 1957. He attended USC then entered the U.S. Marines.

After leaving the military, he went to work with Braniff International Airlines for 17 years where he was flight engineer, co- pilot, and captain. He served Piedmont Airlines and US Air for another 17 years as pilot instructor and check pilot. Later, he was co- pilot, captain, pilot instructor, and check pilot for the Federal Administration Aircrew Program.

George is survived by his four children: Virginia Anne Nelsen, George Wesley Criddle, Amber Brown, and Morgan Green; and six grandchildren: Chloe Brown, Parker Brown, Kenneth Nelsen, Jenni Nelsen, Forrest Nelsen, and Matt Nelsen.

George was proud of his family, his friends, his profession, and his service to his country as a Marine. Everywhere George went, he distinguished himself in some positive way and made friends.

He often spoke of the pleasure of taking off at dawn, climbing through the clouds, and breaking out into the sunshine. As day turned to night, he found himself looking down at the lighted towns and cities, wondering about the lives of those living there. George was proud of flying for over 40 years and never put a scratch on an airplane.

In lieu of flowers and cards, you may make a donation to the Injured Marine Semper FiFund www.SemperFi- Fund.org in memory of George Taylor Criddle.