George M. Feliz

George Manuel Feliz, 96, of Florence passed away on November 20th, 2020 in Florence with his family by his side. George was born in Florence, Arizona on February 22, 1924 to Manuel and Carlotta Feliz and was a graduate of Florence High School. He was a United States Navy veteran and a member of The Greatest Generation who proudly served during WWII. George was a Signalman 3rd Class on the USS Gambier Bay (CVE-73) which was destroyed on October 25, 1944 during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. He and his fellow survivors tread water for 2 days and 2 nights in shark infested waters before being rescued. He remained in touch with his shipmates throughout the years; these heroes would gather annually to honor one another and remember those that perished. George and his family attended ship reunions beginning in 1971 and continued the tradition through 2019. George was a hardworking man who held several different careers. As a youngster, he worked on his family farm and farming was something he did throughout his life. In later years, he worked at the Arizona State Prison in different capacities for over 3 decades. George and his wife Betty were even restaurant owners, first running a small restaurant in Florence called the High School Drive-in and later owned Kelly’s Deli in Pinetop for a short period of time. George was a family man who enjoyed making memories with his loved ones. One of his favorite activities was attending the sporting events of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was the life of nearly every party and could always be found on the dance floor in the middle of the crowd. George’s greatest legacy will be the generations of family who will miss him dearly. Left behind to cherish his memories are his children Vicki (Andy) Ramirez, Marsha Woodruff and George Feliz all of Florence; siblings, Lydia Nowlin of Florence, Beatrice Gamez of Phoenix, Delia Avenenti of Mesa and Margaret Huebner of Florence; 15 Grandchildren and 27 Great Grandchildren. Preceding him in death was his wife, Betty Feliz; daughter, Valerie Sotomayor; grandchild, Brent Woodruff; and siblings Angie Feliz, Gabriel Feliz, Celia Vargas, Claudie Feliz, Reynaldo Feliz and Alfred Feliz. A Graveside service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, November 25th, 2020 at Florence Cemetery on Salazar Road in Florence, Arizona. Heritage Florence Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.