George Van Pelt

George R. Van Pelt Sr. 89 of Longwood, FL was called to his Heavenly home after a short illness. 

George was born in 1936 Jacksonville, FL to the late Arthur and Annie Van Pelt. He enlisted into the US Air Force where he served our country for 20 years reaching the level of Master Sargent. Early in his Air Force career he met the love of his life Gladys. The two were married for 68 years and were blessed with four children. The family traveled the world before retiring to Longwood, FL. George spent the next 20 years continuing to serve our veterans as an employee with VA Medical Center in Tampa and the VA Clinic in Orlando. 

George was a Mason and a member of the Orange Lodge No. 36 F. & A.M, Apopka, FL where he served as Right Honorable Master 1998-1999. George was also a member of the Scottish Rites and was a Shriner. He was an active member of Longwood Hills Community Church. 

He enjoyed playing a round of golf and keeping tabs on PGA professionals. George was an avid Tampa Bay Rays fan and loved to spend the Fall season following football both college and the pros. 

George was preceded in death by his sisters Betty Schroeder, Sarah Higley, brothers Arthur Van Pelt Jr, Ronald Van Pelt. He is survived by his wife Gladys Van Pelt of Longwood, FL, children Theresa Archer (Ted) of Longwood, FL, Debra Branham (Greg) of Lake Mary, FL and sons George “Skip” Van Pelt, Jr (Denise) of Lake Mary, FL and Mark Van Pelt (Donny) of Orlando, FL. Four grandchildren, Stephen Archer, Victoria Van Pelt, Alex Van Pelt and Emily Branham. Three Great Grandchildren. 

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of the AdventHealth Hospice House for their care and blessings.