George Catlett Manly

George Catlett Manly, 73, of Midland, Texas, passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2018. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church, 300 N. Main St., Midland, Texas on Saturday, February 10, 2018.George was born on February 19, 1944 in El Campo, Texas to George and Nell LaPoe Manly. He graduated from Odessa High School in 1962 and attended TCU, where he pledged Sigma Chi fraternity, prior to joining the Army. He spent the next 20 years in the Army. He served 3 tours in Viet Nam: 1) 1^st Infantry Div; 2) 68^th AHC (Attack Helicopter Company) as a pilot in the Mustangs 1968-1969; 3) 240^th ACH as a Guns/Platoon Leader for the Maddogs 1971-1972. As a pilot, he flew 1^st lift, Smokey and Mustangs. He also served a a platoon leader for an air traffic control platoon directly responsible for  managing fixed base and tactical air traffic control for two Army Airfields, four advisory locations and 3^rd Armored Division in Germany. He also served as an Instructor Pilot in Kenya, Africa. His final assignment was in Colorado Springs, CO at Fort Carson, in the 4^th AVN Brigade, as an executive officer of the Attack Company and primarily did search and rescue in the Rockies, from where he retired as a Major on June 1, 1987.After retirement, he returned to Odessa and completed his degree in education and spent several years as a long term substitute and then teaching Speech/Communication at Lee High School until his retirement from teaching. He was a very gifted story teller, and enjoyed going to the high schools, while they were studying about the Viet Nam War, and would share his experiences in the war with them. He especially enjoyed telling war stories with his friends from the war. He had an unbelievable memory and could remember dates and names from so long ago. The 68^th AHC started having reunions every other year since 1998, and George and Kay never missed one of them.George is a lifetime member of the DeMolays and served as State Master in 1964 from the Odessa Chapter. He was the 32^nd degree Mason and a member of the H.A. McFarland Lodge and received his 50 year pin in 2017. He had been a member of the Odessa Shrine Club and served as its Secretary/Treasurer for several years and was, also, a clown in many parades where the Shriners participated. He was a very active member of the Odessa Chuck Wagon Gang, where he was awarded the Wagon Master Award in 2013. He was a member of the Odessa Country Club, where he was an avid golfer before his illness. He loved to dance and all the girls wanted to dance with him.George married Kay Linn Manly on September 29, 2011, after a 21 year courtship. He is survived by his wife, Kay; two daughters, Monica and husband Clint Goodwin, and Melanie Young; and two granddaughters, Laikin Dooley and Emily Young. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Nell Manly; and brother, Scott Manly.The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Senior Care Center for all of their care in his final days.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warriors or any other Veteran’s organization, or the charity of your choice.Arrangements are under the direction of Nally-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.,