Col. George Wilmer Dooley, Jr.

Colonel George Wilmer Dooley, Jr. (ret.) passed away in his home on June 30, 2017, surrounded by family. He is preceded in death by his parents, George Wilmer Dooley, Sr. and Lillian Harvey Dooley, and by his wife of 61 years, Jane Baker Dooley.  Born and raised on Diamond Hill in Lynchburg, VA, his childhood dream was to fly fighter jets and he set about living his dream 1949  when he received a commission as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force upon graduation from the Virginia Military Institute.  By 1954 George had served in the Korean War and was traveling extensively for the USAF when he met his wife-to-be, Jane, in Selma, Alabama.  They had three daughters while George continued his Air Force career; the family lived together in Alabama, Florida, Texas, South Carolina, Spain and Virginia, between separated assignments when George flew in other countries including Vietnam, South Korea, Turkey and Italy.   George flew, among many others, F-86’s and F-100’s and was a highly regarded Instructor Pilot.  George served as Squadron Commander at Torrejon AFB in Spain for over three years and recalled that as his favorite assignment because he fell in love with the Spanish culture and could tour Europe with Jane and the girls.  He felt fortunate to serve his country and was hugely respected by his colleagues as a firm, fair and meticulous leader, and a compassionate and loyal friend.  By 1973, as a Colonel, George retired and returned to Lynchburg with Jane and his three daughters, then two, 15, and 17 years old.  Inheriting his parents’ home on Washington St., George played a crucial role in establishing the Diamond Hill Historical Society and advancing the revival of that historic district.  Over the years he also served on the Historic Preservation Commission and on the Board of the Lynchburg Historical Foundation.  He served on various other community related non-profit Boards of Directors and served as Senior Warden at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.  He remained active within the VMI community, attending football games and reunions through 2016.  Family, the church, community and his country were George’s passions in life, and his honor and kindness made a considerable impact on all who were blessed to know him.   He was a most loving husband and father, as well as a steadfast friend to many.  At the age of 89, he felt he had lived a long and full life, had always found great strength in his faith in God, and was at peace with moving on to the next realm.  He is survived by devoted daughters and sons-in-law, Lisa (Michael) Sener of Boonsboro, MD, Sandy (Dave) Mied of Albuquerque, NM, and Jennifer (Steve) Tilley of Lynchburg; as well as three grandsons Samuel, James and William Mied.  A service will be held in his memory on July 15, 2017 at 3:00pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and directly following, a reception at the family home at 508 Washington St.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Virginia Military Institute.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.