George Merritt Tracy

George Merritt Tracy, Sr., 94, of Bossier City, Louisiana passed away peacefully at home on Palm Sunday, April 24, 2024, with his family by his side.

George was born on September 15, 1929, in Naples, Maine, to Ronald and Cora Tracy. He married his high school sweetheart, Freda Joan Graffam of Bridgton, Maine, on January 21, 1949. They were married for 66 years until Freda’s passing in 2015.

George was a career military man who attained the rank of Chief Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force. He was a true patriot who served in both the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. His military career spanning more than 23 years took him all over the world, including Korea, Southeast Asia, England, Japan, Germany, and the United States.

After his military service, George began a second career as a broadcast engineer at KTAL-TV in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he was involved in both their television and radio operations. He eventually rose to become Director of Engineering for the broadcast division of the parent company WEHCO Media. 

George was an avid sportsman who enjoyed deer hunting and being outdoors in the woods. He established the 425 Hunting Club in Bienville Parish whose members included several of his lifelong friends and family.

George also had a love for music and singing which began at an early age when he began taking part in church groups that would perform for various organizations around his hometown in Maine. All through the years he could often be heard around the house (or wherever he happened to be) singing an old hymn or a classic country song or singing along with a music show on TV. 

George was a truly kind and generous man who was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He was much loved by everyone and will truly be missed.

He is survived by his sons, George M. Tracy, Jr. and wife Ellen of Bossier City, LA and Ronald J. Tracy of Bossier City, LA; grandchildren, George M. Tracy III of Bossier City, LA, Todd N. Tracy and wife Nicole of Arlington, TX, and Tara Neeles and husband Tyler of Forney, TX; and great-grandchildren, Parker Tracy, Ella Tracy, Nolan Neeles, Aubrey Neeles, and Ava Neeles.

The family would like to give very special thanks to his longtime caregiver Gala Oswalt for her love and dedication in taking care of George during his later years. Gala always went above and beyond to give him the best care possible. Thank you also to Debra Smith for helping Gala take care of Dad.

Our thanks go out as well to all our family and friends who gave their love and support so graciously. We would also like to thank the staff at Willis Knighton Bossier and St. Joseph Hospice for the excellent medical care they provided.

In lieu of flowers, his family suggests memorials may be made to a Veteran's charitable organization of your choice.

May George’s soul rest in peace, and may his family and friends find comfort in the memories they shared with him.

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