Georgia 'George' Henry Prince

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Georgia ‘George’ H. Prince, 84, of Williamsville, Missouri, formerly of Wappapello, Missouri, passed away Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, in Poplar Bluff.

George was born April 3, 1937, in Oxly, Missouri, one of seven children born to Charles and Pearl Bridgeforth Prince.  Entering the US Marine Corps in 1954 he completed an Associate of Arts degree; Law Enforcement Curriculum at Barstow College in California before retiring in 1973 as a military policeman with rank of Police Sergeant.  Over the years he received a Breathalyzer Operators License; completed FBI Bomb Class; completed the Regional 1971 San Bernadino County Juvenile Training Institute sponsored by the California State Juvenile Officers Association.  Over a 20-year span George served two tours in Vietnam and was awarded the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (With/Device), Vietnam Service Medal (With 2 Stars), Republic of Vietnam Campaign metal (With/Device), Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Citation, Marine Good Conduct Metal (6 Awards), National Defense Service Metal (With/2 Stars), Navy Occupation Service Metal and a Meritorious Citation.  After retiring from the service, he was a lieutenant with the Poplar Bluff police department from 1977 to 1995.   He then went to work at John J. Pershing VA Medical Center as a security guard.

George married Linda C. Pigg on April 4, 1956, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.  She preceded him in death on Oct. 18, 2020.

Survivors include three daughters, Brenda and Stuard Smith of Arizona, Teresa and Steve Rueck of Williamsville and Joann and Vince Zittle of Poplar Bluff; three grandchildren; four great grandchildren; a brother Kenneth G. Prince; and a sister Dianne Artis.

In addition to his wife George was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Charles E. Prince and Ralph E. Prince, and two sisters, Bertha E. Eaves and Alice Kay Tate.

A private family Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

Cotrell Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Georgia ‘George’ H. Prince.