George Thomas Brett, son of Gladys Pate Brett and John Millard Brett, passed away August 25, 2015. Born July 24, 1939, in Blountstown, FL, George grew up in Tallahassee, FL, graduated from Florida High Developmental School, served in the US Marine Corps and obtained a degree from Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. He was of Episcopalian faith.
In high school, George excelled in all sports, setting single season records in both basketball and football. George became more proud over the years of his Marine Corps military service. Going straight out of Camp LeJeune Boot Camp in 1958 to the Beirut Lebanon conflict, he was often heard to say, “I crossed the Atlantic six times in a flat bottom boat. Hell, no, I won’t go on a cruise!”
George proudly worked his way through college and graduated with a BA degree in History. He returned his family to Tallahassee where they lived while he worked in retail sales. Eventually, his wife and daughters returned to DeLand, FL while he remained in Tallahassee. In 1977, he met and, in 1982 married Estelle (Snelling) Gilstrap. Together, in 1985, they opened George Brett Tire & Wheel, Inc. which they operated for many years. During those years, some of the fun things that George got into included running a horseback riding stables complete with 26 horses and starting a 4th of July Parade at Alligator Point Beach that included lawnmowers and mullet boats. In 1995, George and Estelle sold their business and moved to Comer to care for Estelle’s Mother. Upon moving to “Hooterville” as George affectionately called Comer, he went to work as Dispatcher for Phil Hughes Honda. He worked there until retirement in 2007.
George is survived by his devoted wife of thirty-three years, Estelle; two daughters, Justina and Jane (Dan); five grandchildren, Colin, Ryan, John, Dan, Caroline; three sisters, Gloria (Frank), Peggy, Patsy; very special nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. George leaves behind many, many dear friends, most importantly among those is his lifelong buddy, the Honorable Judge Stewart Parsons. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Bobbye Reid (Bob) and two brothers, Bo (Norma) and Mickey.
George was about fun, laughter, family and friends. In that vein, you are invited to a Celebration of His Life at the Comer Travel Museum, on Saturday, August 29, at 12 Noon. He would like to have you there.
Ivie Funeral Home, Danielsville is in charge of the arrangements.
