George Lewis Stipsky, Sr.

George Lewis Stipsky, Sr., 89, of Little Rock, Ark., passed away Monday morning May 7, 2012. He was born at home in Slovak, Ark. on November 18, 1922, to Jim Joseph and Elizabeth Hlavica Stipsky. He is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 65 years, Bertha Louise Roney Stipsky, brothers, Francis Anthony Stipsky of Sherwood and Raymond Francis Stipsky of Little Rock, and sister, Anna Theresa Heflin of Pompano Beach, Florida; daughter-in-law, Linda Gail Barber Stipsky of Little Rock, grandsons, Jason Christopher Stipsky (Stephanie Ann Shaulis) of Bryant and Jonathan Richard Stipsky (Regina Christine Cortez) of Little Rock; and great-granddaughter, Taylor Ann Stipsky; and step-son, Lonny Dolan Jones of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., George was also survived by a multitude of family members and close friends including Carl and Peggy Frank of Alexander, Ark. He was preceded in death by an older brother, Jimmy who died as an infant and younger brother Jimmy Joseph; sisters, Rosemary O'Shea of Cape May, N.J.; and Lillian Leath of Jonesboro, Ark.; and son, George Lewis Jr. of Little Rock. George joined the U.S. Navy on January 10, 1941 at the age of 17. During his 20 year career his duties included Chief Boiler Operator and Company Commander. He was assigned on board an impressive group of ships and stations. These include the USS Vulcan, USS Mervine, USS Iowa, USS Mansfield, USS Oakland, USS LST 735, USS Hornet, USS Impeccable, USS Dextrous, U.S. Naval Air Facility ATTU, Alaska, Tacoma Group, Pacific Reserve Fleet, Recruit Training Command at Bainbridge, Md. and San Diego, Calif. After retiring from the U.S. Navy, George worked as a successful Farmer's Insurance agent and independent finish carpenter. He spoke often of times spent with family and friends, and will forever be remembered by those that knew him. As his grandson Jason said, "We'll miss you Grandpaw, you left this place better than you found it." A graveside service will be held at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, on Friday, May 11, 2012 at 1 p.m.. Arrangements by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, (501) 224-8300. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a contribution be made to the nonprofit of your choice. Online guestbook at: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.