George A. Tice, 99, a decorated WWII B-24 Bomber co-pilot and POW, passed away in Clearwater, Florida on August 20, 2019. He was born in Minneapolis, MN on July 16, 1920. Captain Tice was an electrical engineer. He trained as a pilot in the United States Army Air Corps and upon his commission as a Lieutenant, he was transferred to the European Theater of Operations in 1944, completing 26 missions with over 160 combat hours over Germany before being shot down and captured. Captain Tice was held captive in a German POW camp until the end of the war. He was decorated with two Purple Hearts, a European Theatre Ribbon with four bronze battle stars, three Air Medals and a Presidential Unit Citation.
George moved to Clearwater, Florida in 1964. He was employed by Florida Power and served in many community service organizations. He is survived by his daughter, Georgienne (“Gigi”) Emmons, two granddaughters, Kimberly Bissell (Paul) and Christine Dzikonski (Mike), and great-granddaughters Windsor and Christine Bissell. He will be missed by his family.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, September 7, 2019, at 2:00 pm at Sylvan Abby Memorial Park.
As I read Captain Tice’s paperwork, it brought a tear to my eyes. I wish I had met this man and had the honor of buying his dinner. Imagine the terror of midair combat for over 160 hours. I’m thankful we have these kinds of Americans. Thank you Captain George Tice for your service to our great nation.
My dad was an outstanding individual and authentic war hero! He was involved in many local altruistic organizations throughout his life and was a loyal friend to his colleagues. He was a good father and loving grandfather to his two granddaughters. He was also lucky enough to know his great-granddaughters. Dad lived a fulfilling life and was lucky enough to see 99 years. His wish was granted in that he is now with the love of his life, his wife, my mother Rosalie.
His loving daughter, Gigi (Georgienne)
Mr. Tice was the manager of customer service when I first began my career with Florida Power Corp back in 1982 at the Palmetto Operating Center. He was always a gentleman and professional and a great manager in our organization. Have not seen him in many years but glad to hear he had a nice long life. God Bless the family.
I am proud to say this incredible war hero and outstanding husband and father was my uncle. You have earned a place with your sweetheart, Rosalie (Lee) in heaven. God Bless, Gigi.
It was a great honor and privilege to get to know Capt Tice over the past couple of years. He was a true war hero! While he never boasted of his WWII exploits, he was also generous in sharing his experience when asked. The full story of his B-24 being shot down is HAIR RAISING! He saw his pilot killed by flak sitting right next to him. As the crippled bomber lost altitude over Hungary, he flew it almost all the way down to the ground to give his crew time to bail out. All but one of them made it to the end of the war, due to his heroic actions! At the last possible moment, he bailed out at about 350 feet – just barely in time for his parachute to open. He was badly injured upon landing, and had a permanent disability due to his war injuries. Yet you’d never know ANY of this without asking. He was just that kind of man. He will be missed by his family, of that I am sure, and I will miss you, too, Captain.
I new George very well, since he worked for me when I was District Manager in Tarpon Spring and Clearwater. He was an excellent representative for Florida Power and was very dedicated to the industrial customers he served!. Several years ago I had lunch with George and Andy Hines and they renewed their situation during their flying days and being POWs in the same camp, but didn’t know each other during that time. I marveled as they spoke about their experiences. George called me several years ago telling me he was moving to Georgia, I didn’t know that George came back to Clearwater until I saw his obituary.
He was a GOOD MAN!
Sincerely,
Nick Karay
Folks at Chapel by the Sea were saddened to learn of George’s passing. They remember him fondly. Please know we lifted your family in prayer yesterday as you grieve the loss of this great man. If I or the church can assist you in any way during this time, please don’t hesitate to give me a call at the church at 727-446-0430. God’s peace be yours.