George Fish, Sr.

Canton – George Richard Fish, Sr., 91, passed away on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at Mission Memorial Campus.

George was a native of Haywood County and a son of the late Charlie Carlisle and Allie Gaddis Fish. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister, Pat Bradley. After graduating from Canton High School in 1948, he enlisted in the United States Air Force.  George excelled and moved up the ranks quickly.  He served in the (SAC) Strategic Air Command 509th Bomb Group.  George worked in the intelligence Section where he was responsible for accumulating and distribution of TOP SECRET documents and photos.  George served in the Pacific, Occupation of Japan, Guam and was part of the very las Military, Government and Civilian Personnel that left Shanghai China as the Communist Chinese forces were only a few miles away and occupied the city in a couple of days after their departure.  He was so proud that he served with:  General’s Curtis L Le May Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, Paul W Tibbits pilot of The Enola Gay that dropped the Little Boy Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima Japan.  George really enjoyed spending time on a project and met with Charles A Lindbert a world-famous pilot.

George also served in England where the Bomb Group was armed with atomic bombs 24 hours a day covering the Allied territories observing and monitoring the movements of the Russian Soviet Operations.  George was able to write home and especially Barbara Carpenter and they married in 1950 while George was on a short military leave.  George and Barbara relocated to Walker Air Force Base in Roswell, New Mexico where in May 1952 their first son, George Jr. was born.

George received and was awarded several Air Force and US Commendations and Medals.  These include AF Distinguished /service, Japan Occupation, Pacific Operation, European Service, Combat Readiness, Air Force Achievement and National Defense Medals.  George was honorably discharged in 1954 and returned home to Canton to be with Barbara and George Jr.  George went to work at Champion Papers and attended college at night.  In 1958, their second son, Garry, was born.  George retired from Champion International and stayed in Canton active in God’s work.  He served as deacon and chairman at First Baptist Church of Canton where he was a member until his death.

George loved all of his family:  sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  He was a caring, giving and loving person and will be greatly missed.  George is with Barbara once again and with our heavenly Father.  George loved the work and cared deeply for missions, church, American Heart, Cancer and Diabetes Associations and especially for children.  His favorite was St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

He is survived by two sons, George Fish, Jr. (Pattie) and Garry Fish (Cindy), all of Canton; four grandchildren, Mandy Roberts (John), Aaron Fish, Jon Patrick Fish, and Kelly Anne Fish; and three great-grandchildren, Cole and Allie Roberts, and Nolan Fish.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in honor of him to any of the above organizations.

George was truly a great Man!

At George’s request, no formal services will be held.

The care of Mr. Fish has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes of Canton.