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A history of many families.
1917 - 1990 (72 years)| Name | George Lafayette MABRY [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13] | |
| Prefix | Major General | |
| Suffix | Jr. | |
| Birth | 14 Sep 1917 | Stateburg, Sumter County, South Carolina  [2, 14] |
| Gender | Male | |
| Education | he received his bachelor of arts degree from Presbyterian College in 1940 [2] | |
| HIST | of Columbia, South Carolina Date Published: September 12, 2008 S.C. 261 renamed to honor war hero By RANDY BURNS Item Staff Writer rburns@theitem.com One of Sumter's most decorated war heroes is being recognized by the community where he was born and raised. A dedication ceremony naming S.C. 261 North the Maj. General George L. Mabry Memorial Highway will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Church of the Holy Cross cemetery, where Mabry is buried. "This highway runs right by his home and his church," said Julian Frasier, president of the Sumter County Historical Society. "It is important for Sumter County to honor him in this way." Historical Society officials contacted state Rep. Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, in the spring of 2007 asking for his support. "He (Smith) did all the footwork," said Dr. Elizabeth Allen, an immediate past president of the Historical Society and program coordinator for the dedication ceremony. WANT TO GO? WHAT: Dedication Ceremony for George L. Mabry Jr. Highway WHEN: 9 a.m. Saturday WHERE: Church of the Holy Cross , 335 N. Kings Highway (S.C. 261), Sumter DIRECTIONS: On U.S. 76/378, turn north on S.C. 261. The church is located on the right about one mile from U.S. 76/378. A resolution was adopted by the South Carolina General Assembly in May formally designating the naming of a 15-mile section of S.C. 261 from U.S. 76/378 to the Kershaw County line in honor of the Stateburg native. "He was the second most-decorated military hero in World War II," Allen said. "He was second only to Audie Murphy." Mabry earned the U.S. military's highest decoration – the Medal of Honor – for his actions during the battle of Hurtgen Forest in World War II. According to accounts, Mabry found a safe route through a minefield, led a group of scouts in the capture of three enemy bunkers and then established an advantageous, defensive position. He died July 13, 1990. One highlight of the dedication ceremony will be a presentation of a summary of Mabry's military accomplishments provided by George Donald, a member of the church. One of Mabry's sons, retired Lt. Col. George L. Mabry III, will provide a family response as part of the ceremony activities. The South Carolina Department of Transportation has invited military officials, elected officials, members of the historical society and members of Holy Cross Episcopal Church to the dedication ceremony, Allen said. State Sen. Phil Leventis, D-Sumter, is also on the program agenda, Allen said. The public is invited, she said. Contact Staff Writer Randy Burns at rburns@theitem.com or (803) 491-4533. Date Published: September 14, 2008 Decorated general honored Portion of S.C. 261 named after Mabry Retired Lt. Col. George L. Mabry III speaks at the dedication honoring his late father, World War II hero Maj. Gen. George L. Mabry Jr. By JOE PERRY Item Staff Writer jperry@theitem.com A small crowd gathered Saturday morning in Stateburg to honor a member of Sumter’s greatest generation, a man who grew up hunting and fishing in the High Hills of the Santee and fought valiantly against the Germans in World War II, and went on to become the second most highly decorated soldier of all time. Shortly before 10 a.m., S.C. 261 from U.S. 378/76 to the Kershaw County line officially became known as the Maj. Gen. George L. Mabry Jr. Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Memorial Highway. Sumter County Historical Society President Julian Frasier III spoke briefly to the crowd before the Rev. Thomas Allen, rector of the Church of the Holy Cross, Episcopal offered a prayer only steps away from where Mabry — one of Stateburg’s most famous sons — is buried. State Sen. Phil Leventis, D-Sumter, spoke of the fog of war during D-Day, and how maybe only 10 men that fateful early June day in 1944 had “situational awareness” of the enormous task that lay before them. Born Sept. 14, 1917, in Stateburg, George Lafayette Mabry Jr. graduated from Presbyterian College in 1940, completed a Reserve Officers Training Corps course and reported to Fort Benning, Ga., as a platoon leader in the Army’s 4th Infantry Division in the 8th Infantry Regiment. He went ashore on Utah Beach in Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944, and fought in France, Luxembourg, Belgium and Germany. Mabry’s military service spanned 35 years, and he received the Medal of Honor for his bravery on Nov. 20, 1944, in the Huertgen Forest in Germany, where he cleared a path through a minefield single-handedly, captured three enemy bunkers, killed three enemy soldiers, put another out of action and captured nine more. Mabry was also awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, the Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Belgian Fourragere, the Distinguished Service Order (British), the National Order 5th Class and Gallantry Cross with Palm. Mabry received every medal for valor awarded in the U.S. Army. “General Mabry was one of those 10 men,” Leventis said, a man who was “treasured and valued” by those who were fortunate to have known him. George Donald told everyone how Mabry and his brother Buford used to hunt and fish while growing up in San Souci, and recalled a famous quote from a man whose “sixth sense” would go on to serve him well in his storied military career. “Buford, me lad,” Donald said, quoting Mabry, “ you row the boat, and I’ll smell for fish.” A talented athlete, Mabry’s potential for a professional baseball career was evident, Donald said, but instead he chose to register for active duty in June 1940. “And for that, we are very lucky,” Donald added. Sarah Nuckles, state transportation commissioner for the 5th Congressional District, told the crowd that the day showed a determination “not to forget,” and would serve as a constant reminder “of appreciation and the eternal impact of his work.” State Rep. Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, read the official proclamation and said it was a “a pleasure to honor those South Carolinians and Sumterites that make us proud.” Smith said Mabry exemplified “the finest characteristics of military service.” Retired Lt. Col. George L. Mabry III fondly recalled how his late father used to chase “fox hounds and bird dogs,” in the area, whether “on foot, mule, horse, or even Model T,” and knew the King’s Highway well, often traveling 10 miles to see his future wife, Eulena Myers. “It’s a great honor to have an old soldier’s name associated with this warrior’s path,” Mabry III said, and though humble, his father “would be mighty proud.” U.S. Rep. John Spratt, D-S.C., noted it was not uncommon for ordinary men among Mabry’s generation to rise up and do extraordinary things. “Uncommon valor was a common virtue” amongst Mabry’s generation, Spratt said. Contact Staff Writer Joe Perry at jperry@theitem.com or (803) 774-1272. Date Published: April 12, 2009 Sans Souci burns; Shaw jets deployed during runway repairs Photo provided This photo shows the original Sans Souci at Wedgefield. Destroyed by fire 75 years ago, its ruins can still be seen on the property. By HUBERT OSTEEN Item Editor Hubert@theitem.com 75 YEARS AGO – 1934 Week of May 25-June 1 Sumter’s economy got a boost with the announcement that a Belk-Robinson department store was coming to Sumter and a new building would be erected on South Main Street for the business. Making the announcement was Neill O’Donnell, owner of the property on South Main located between Bultman’s Shoe Store and W.B. Burns and Sons. The one-story building will be 45 feet wide and 150 feet deep that includes 75 feet for a mezzanine floor. Another store 20 feet wide by 100 feet deep is included in the construction contract as part of the building that will cover the entire lot. The smaller store has not yet been leased by O’Donnell. Cost of the construction, to be handled by Haynsworth Construction Co. of Florence, is estimated at between $40,000 and $45,000 with completion within 90 days or Sept. 1. According to the story, “The entire building will be of the most modern construction, with a modern buff stone front. All exposed woodwork will be enclosed in brass. The new building when completed will be one of the largest and most handsome business structures in the city.” The heating and plumbing contract was awarded to A.J. Ard of Sumter, with plans for the building designed by Sumter architect Whitney Cunningham, who will supervise the construction. The expanding Belk-Robinson Co. is headquartered in Charleston, a unit of the Belk Company of Charlotte, N.C., that is rapidly expanding throughout the Carolinas. Its Sumter store will carry a full line of clothing for men, women and children, dry goods and shoes for every member of the family. Photo provided Game Warden George Mabry was the owner of the original Sans Souci, which burned in 1934. It was built by former S.C. Governor Edward Rutledge. The historic home of County Game Warden George L. Mabry at Stateburg was destroyed by fire on Sunday, May 27. Known as “Sans Souci,” the house was one of the oldest in Sumter County, built by Edward Rutledge before the American Revolution in the 1700s and used as a summer home by the Rutledge family. Rutledge was a governor of South Carolina and a justice of the state Supreme Court. His brother, John Rutledge, was at one time chief justice of the United States Supreme Court, the only South Carolinian to hold this honor, according to the front page story. Mabry was able to save a portion of his furniture and household goods, but the structure was a complete loss. No insurance was carried on the house. Heavy winds and torrents of rain struck Sumter County on Monday, May 28, causing severe damage to the oats crop. Many farmers had already cut their oats and left it in the fields. Uncut oats were also badly damaged. The storm blew down numerous trees in the city and county and caused electrical outages for several hours in the city, plus telegraph and telephone lines were blown down at a number of places in the county. Prominent Summerton farmer Percy Harvin, 58, drowned in Brown’s Lake in the Santee River swamp Tuesday, May 29, while on a fishing trip. Harvin, accompanied by a farm hand, went fishing in the lake Tuesday afternoon with the intention of spending the night. After the farm hand pitched a tent and built a fire, and after informing Harvin he had prepared the camp, Harvin told him he would fish a while longer. When Harvin failed to answer the farm hand’s calls, he continued to look for him throughout the evening and into the next day, when he found Harvin’s overturned boat and sought help. Searchers found the body caught on a log near the overturned boat. An autopsy revealed the cause of death as drowning. Harvin is survived by his wife and five small children; two brothers, Dr. Frank M. Harvin of Columbia and Dr. B.S. Harvin of Elloree; and one sister, Mrs. R.H. Belser of Summerton. Other news: Third Circuit Solicitor Frank A. McLeod announced he would seek re-election in the June primary. The Third Circuit includes the counties of Sumter, Lee, Clarendon and Willilamsburg. McLeod has served as solicitor for 17 years. Rep. Wyndham M. Manning, candidate for governor, announced he would open his campaign headquarters in Sumter next week. He vowed to run on a platform of law and order, a balanced state budget and tax relief for South Carolina’s citizens. State Sen. James M. Jefferies of Colleton County was elected by the Santee-Cooper Public Service Authority as its legal counsel. He was one of the most aggressive advocates of the public power project. Ozie Mathis and Sam Bell of Sumter were indicted by a federal grand jury in Columbia on extortion charges after an attempt to extort $5,000 from prominent Mayesville farmer J.F. Bland on threat of injury to Bland. A photo of a group of young Sumter girls who would appear as a chorus in “The Kiddie Parade” at Central School auditorium next week appeared in The Item. The chorus comprised Margaret Rowland, Nellie Ann Plowden, Estella Levi, Clara Ellen Skinner, Lucy Moore, Margaret Burgess and Billie Warren. Advertisements during the week: The Men’s Shop, 34 N. Main St., announced in a Friday, May 25 ad that it had opened for business in its new quarters in the Schwartz Building, the same location at which it opened for business in 1925 when it was founded by Dave Cuttino Jr. and Frank Chandler. Cuttino bought out Chandler’s interest in 1932 and is now the sole proprietor. The business had been operating on South Main Street after moving there in 1929. The store has been completely remodeled and modernized with up-to-date show windows installed, according to the ad. J.C. Penney department store on South Main was holding a 49 cents sale, with all the advertised goods being sold for that price, including silk hose, sheer dresses, work shirts, white handbags, five terry towels, tennis shoes and men’s sport caps. An unusual ad by local optometrist Dr. Hanna R. Kristianson displayed her diplomas, one stating she was a 1908 graduate of Stone’s Optical College in St. Paul, Minn., with a Doctor of Optics degree, and the other stating she was approved in 1909 by the Board of Examiners in Optometry of Minnesota as a registered optometrist. Along with the diplomas was a message from Dr. Kristianson claiming that during her 25 years in Sumter, “I have tested and fitted to glasses over fifteen thousand pairs of eyes in Sumter and its community. This service to the public has always been guaranteed and still is.” She added a P.S.: “When you hear anyone knocking my work you can mark it down that they owe Hanna Rebecca and don’t intend to pay.” Playing at the Rex Theatre: The smash hit comedy “It Happened One Night” starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert played for most of the week after being held over, followed by Spencer Tracy in “The Show-Off.” The Saturday shoot ‘em up starred John Wayne in “Blue Steel,” plus the Buck Jones serial, “Gordon of Ghost City” and a Mickey Mouse cartoon. 50 YEARS AGO – 1959 Week of May 19-26 Shaw Air Force Base began taking on the appearance of a “ghost town” as all its jet aircraft deployed to other bases while runway repairs are under way. About 9.3 percent of the base’s total population will be deployed during the four-month repair period. Shaw has a total military population of 7,800, with dependents accounting for an additional 9,600. Most the deployed jets will be stationed at Langley Air Force Base, Va., while other units will be staying at Seymour-Johnson Air Force Base, Myrtle Beach Air Force Base and the Congaree Air Base, home to the South Carolina Air National Guard. James P. Nettles was named the first “Lion of the Year” by the Sumter Lions Club. The presentation of a bronze plaque was made to Nettles by incoming president O. Lang Hogon. Nettles was commended for his 18 ? years of service in the club and hailed by Hogon as “a man who, although he shunned the limelight, was always ready to serve, particularly as fair booth chairman. Dr. Edwin Boyle Jr. received an $11,000 grant from the American Heart Association to conduct a study of the role of dietary fats in atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. A native of Sumter, Dr. Boyle is a faculty member of the Medical College of South Carolina in Charleston, heading up its Lipid Metabolism Laboratory at the school. Former North Augusta police sergeant Gentry B. Puckett was found guilty by a Sumter County jury in general sessions on charges of conspiracy and possession of burglary tools in connection with an attempted break-in at the Piggly Wiggly Supermarket near Shaw Air Force Base on the night of April 29. Three other men implicated in the botched break-in were also convicted on all three counts of attempted house breaking, conspiracy and possession of burglary tools. While sentencing was being imposed by Judge James Hugh McFaddin of Manning, it was interrupted when Puckett collapsed. A physician was brought to the courtroom and revived Puckett, who apparently had a fainting spell. McFaddin continued with the sentencing, giving Puckett two years at hard labor in prison and the other men sentences ranging from three years and six months at hard labor to six months in the Sumter County jail. One of the men was arrested on the night of the attempted break-in outside the Piggly Wiggly by state Highway Patrolman Hazel F. Reeves and the other two by SLED Lt. J. Leon Dollard and SLED Agent George Pender, also on the same night. Puckett was later arrested in North Augusta after being fingered by his accomplices. The Sumter Band Boosters Club sponsored its first awards banquet at the Edmunds High School cafeteria, honoring all members of the Sumter High School Band and 20 members of the Alice Drive and McLaurin Junior High bands. Special recognition was given to Edmunds High Director of Music James D. Pritchard by band president Sandra Harris and the band boosters, represented by E.W. Litaker. Pritchard, who is leaving to head up the University of South Carolina band program, was presented a silver bowl and silver pitcher by the two groups. Local artists’ works were on display at the Temple Sinai parish house, sponsored by the Sumter Art Association. Among the Sumter natives or residents’ paintings, woodcarvings, and other mediums featured in the exhibits were Phelps Bultman, Dr. George Buxton, Lad Chandler, Charles Mason Crowson, Robert Courtright, Ray Davenport, Capt. Rex Deaton, J.B. Dick, Wiley Hodge, Dwight Marfield, Chapman James Milling Jr., Carl Mittell and Bernard Siddall. The Item, in an editorial, paid tribute to the late M.S. “Mac” Boykin, who died unexpectedly the previous week. He was described as “a fine citizen and a great sportsman.” He was credited with playing a large part in the success and expansion of Carolina Coca-Cola Bottling Co., working closely with its founder, the late A.T. Heath. “As a sportsman,” the editorial continued, “Mac Boykin had few peers in South Carolina. He was an excellent marksman with both shotgun and rifle. He was one of the most ardent and successful fisherman that this state has known. He was a leader in the establishment of the local and state game associations ... while locally, he served with enthusiasm and energy on countless fund-raising civic and charitable causes. He loved Sumter and the people of Sumter and expressed this love by giving wholeheartedly of his time and means for the betterment of the community. ... In addition to all this Mac Boykin was a kind and honest gentleman. ... He lived a full and useful life. He will be missed by the entire community,” it concluded. Other news: A.J. Hatfield announced the addition of a fourth Hapco automotive replacement parts store on Broad Street. Other stores are located in Manning and Bishopville, with total employment of 26. Two Lee County girls placed first in their respective divisions at the Coker College Horse Show in Hartsville. Sylvia Baskin of Bishopville was first in the five-gaited novice class and Caroline Beatty of Wisacky took a first in junior equitation. Sports news: Sumter’s Post 15 Legion Juniors will play in League 3 along with Lake City, Turbeville and Florence, according to state Legion baseball director Abe Fennel. The Juniors are practicing for their June season opener under new head coach Jim Partin, an assistant coach at Clemson College and a native of Sumter County. A Crowson photo pictured three members of the Sumter Bowmen taking aim at targets in preparation for an archery demonstration at the meeting of the Sumter County Game and Fish Association at Burnt Gin during the week. They were Carl Leonhirth, Dr. William L. Harritt and Phil Cohen. Advertisements during the week: Hughes Tire Service on North Main Street was promoting “Bonus Value Days” with a General Electric dial defrost refrigerator on sale for $158.70 with trade-in and a GE full size 40-inch range going for $159.80, also with trade-in. Brody’s department store at 10-16 W. Liberty St. was holding weekend specials with 200 ladies’ cotton house dresses selling at $1 each, children’s cotton and nylon dresses priced at $2 each, boys’ summer short pants, three pairs for $1 and 1,000 men’s short sleeve sport shirts on sale for 87 cents each. Playing at the downtown theaters: At the Carolina, Randolph Scott was starring in “Ride Lonesome,” co-starring Karen Steele, followed by “The Gunfight at Dodge City” starring Joel McCrea as Bat Masterson. The Sumter was showing “The Wild and the Innocent” starring Audie Murphy, Joanne Dru, Gilbert Roland, Jim Backus and Sandra Dee, followed by Susan Hayward and Jeff Chandler starring in “Thunder in the Sun,” and a double feature, “Island of Lost Women” starring Jeff Richards and Venetia Stevenson, and “Born Reckless,” starring Mamie Van Doren. Contact Editor Hubert Osteen at Hubert@theitem.com or (803)774-1298. Date Published: September 8, 2009 Lecture to focus on Maj. Gen. Mabry MABRY By BELTON WHITE Item Staff Writer bwhite@theitem.com People interested in learning about a Sumter legend should attend the Sumter County Historical Society's lecture on Maj. Gen. George L. Mabry Jr. at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Sumter County Museum. Mabry, an accomplished member of the military and a recipient of the Medal of Honor — the highest military honor given by the U.S. government — will be the topic of discussion, with George E. Donald of Sumter presenting the lecture. A soldier who fought in World War II, Mabry was given the honor for his participation in the Battle of the Huertgen Forest near Schevenhutte, Germany. "It is the longest, bloodiest battle in history," Donald said. "Nobody has ever heard about it because while it was still going, the Battle of Bulge started. It was a terrible, bloody battle." As a commander of a battalion, Mabry was the type of leader who wouldn't make his men do something that he, himself couldn't do, Donald said. "He was very instrumental in the eventual outcome of Huertgen Forest battle," he said. "The conditions were horrible that they were fighting under. They were similar to Battle of Bulge's conditions, and it's one of those things that happened that set Europe free." After graduating from Presbyterian College in 1940, Mabry joined the Army, where he served for 35 years before retiring in August 1975. Donald's discovery of Mabry was accidental, as he was asked to help out with a ceremony at his church, the Church of the Holy Cross in Stateburg. "I attended the same church his family attended, and 10 years ago, they were going to have a flagpole put in the graveyard, next to his gravesite," Donald said. The person in charge "asked me to did a little research, so I talked to his children his brother." A native of St. Louis, Donald enlisted in Air Force pilot training during the Korean War and flew F-84s in 32 combat missions. Following his service in the Air Force, Donald went on to fly for United Airlines until retiring after 34 years. He and his wife, Barbara, have lived in Sumter since 1996, and when he is not researching or lecturing, he sings in the choir and serves on the vestry at Holy Cross. He also has served as president of the Sumter-Shaw Community Concert. The lecture is part of the society's lecture series this year and will take place in the Heritage and Education Center at the Sumter County Museum, 122 N. Washington St. The event is free and open to the public. Sumter Purple Hearts chapter renamed in Mabry's honor FROM STAFF REPORTS The Sumter chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart has been renamed in honor of a Sumter native who received the Medal of Honor. Chapter 817 is now the Gen. George L. Mabry Jr. Chapter after receiving approval from the MOPH national commander. Mabry enlisted in the Army in 1940 and served throughout World War II. He landed on Utah Beach during the Normandy invasion and received his Medal of Honor for actions during the American push into Germany. He was leading a battalion into the Hurtgen Forest when he faced nine onrushing German soldiers. Mabry felled one with the butt of his rifle and bayoneted another before his troops came to his aid, then crossed 300 feet of fire-swept terrain to capture an elevated German position. Mabry went on to serve as a regimental commander in the 31st Infantry Regiment during the Korean War and was chief of staff and assistant deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Forces in Vietnam. He was also commanding general of the Panama Canal Zone before he retired in 1975 with the rank of major general. Posted in Local news, News on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 Purple Heart Chapter honors Mabry Matt Walsh / The Item Purple Heart Chapter honors Mabry Attendees of Sunday's Chapter 817 Order of the Military Order of the Purple Heart meeting admire a cake that was made for the renaming of the chapter for the late Gen. George Mabry. By Raytevia Evans revans@theitem.com On Sunday afternoon, the local chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart honored Gen. George L. Mabry Jr. by renaming their chapter after the Sumterite and war hero. Chapter members presented Mabry's children and family members with the official certification verifying the name of the chapter during a brief ceremony at the Sumter Military Museum at the James E. Clyburn Intermodal Transportation Center. "They've renamed the chapter General George L. Mabry #817. He was the sweetest daddy, and he was my hero," said Mabry's daughter Gail Ferrick, who now resides in Columbia. "He loved the Army and soldiers with every branch of the military, and he was a good man." Chapter #817 has 21 members who have received the Purple Heart for their sacrifices and one associate member in the Sumter area. Dave Nesbitt, finance officer for the chapter, said the group is making an effort to involve more local military members with the organization to keep the chapter going over the years. "No one wants to receive a Purple Heart. You usually earn one after putting yourself in danger," Nesbitt said. "We wanted to rename the chapter, and it was a unanimous vote to name it after General Mabry. We were going to name it after Thomas Sumter who the town is named after, but we would still be the Sumter chapter. Mabry was a good man and a great soldier, so we all agreed." Mabry was born in Sumter in 1917 and graduated from Presbyterian College in Clinton. He entered the Army after graduation, and during World War II he landed at Utah Beach on D-Day as part of the 8th Infantry Regiment on June 6, 1944 and fought with his battalion through France, Luxembourg and into Germany. For his heroic actions throughout his military career, Mabry received the Congressional Medal of Honor. He died on July 13, 1990 and was buried at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Stateburg. Commander James Miller, also a chapter member, said the organization takes part in recovering and returning Purple Hearts and medals to family members when they are lost. On Feb. 8, the chapter will present a lost Purple Heart to a soldier's family members in Myrtle Beach after the medal was presumed lost during a house fire. Reach Raytevia Evans at (803) 774-1214. Posted in Local news, News on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 [5, 6, 8, 12, 13, 15, 16] | |
| MILI | U. S. Army, who was a World War II Medal of Honor recipient 35-year active-duty Army career He landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day and went on to be awarded the Congressional Medal Of Honor for his outstanding bravery and service to his country during the invasion. After the war was over, he continued to serve his country in an outstanding manner, attaining the rank of major general and being presented every medal awarded by the United States Army, along with several of foreign countries. The United States’ highest honor was awarded to him on 10 Sep 1945. he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U. S. Army Reserve. His active service began on July 5, 1940, where he was posted to the Fourth Infantry Division in Fort Benning, Georgia. He was promoted to full colonel in 1955 and became a brigadier general in 1963. He retired from the U.S. Army August 1975. Purple Heart Chapter honors Mabry Share Share Create a hardcopy of this page Previous Next Matt Walsh / The Item Purple Heart Chapter honors Mabry Attendees of Sunday's Chapter 817 Order of the Military Order of the Purple Heart meeting admire a cake that was made for the renaming of the chapter for the late Gen. George Mabry. Posted: Tuesday, January 28, 2014 6:00 am By Raytevia Evans revans@theitem.com On Sunday afternoon, the local chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart honored Gen. George L. Mabry Jr. by renaming their chapter after the Sumterite and war hero. Chapter members presented Mabry's children and family members with the official certification verifying the name of the chapter during a brief ceremony at the Sumter Military Museum at the James E. Clyburn Intermodal Transportation Center. "They've renamed the chapter General George L. Mabry #817. He was the sweetest daddy, and he was my hero," said Mabry's daughter Gail Ferrick, who now resides in Columbia. "He loved the Army and soldiers with every branch of the military, and he was a good man." Chapter #817 has 21 members who have received the Purple Heart for their sacrifices and one associate member in the Sumter area. Dave Nesbitt, finance officer for the chapter, said the group is making an effort to involve more local military members with the organization to keep the chapter going over the years. "No one wants to receive a Purple Heart. You usually earn one after putting yourself in danger," Nesbitt said. "We wanted to rename the chapter, and it was a unanimous vote to name it after General Mabry. We were going to name it after Thomas Sumter who the town is named after, but we would still be the Sumter chapter. Mabry was a good man and a great soldier, so we all agreed." Mabry was born in Sumter in 1917 and graduated from Presbyterian College in Clinton. He entered the Army after graduation, and during World War II he landed at Utah Beach on D-Day as part of the 8th Infantry Regiment on June 6, 1944 and fought with his battalion through France, Luxembourg and into Germany. For his heroic actions throughout his military career, Mabry received the Congressional Medal of Honor. He died on July 13, 1990 and was buried at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Stateburg. Commander James Miller, also a chapter member, said the organization takes part in recovering and returning Purple Hearts and medals to family members when they are lost. On Feb. 8, the chapter will present a lost Purple Heart to a soldier's family members in Myrtle Beach after the medal was presumed lost during a house fire. Reach Raytevia Evans at (803) 774-1214. Posted in Local news, News on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 [1, 2, 13, 14] | |
| Occupation | he was a Game Warden [8] | |
| _UID | AA505DF35C394A459722E0478A891AC843D9 | |
| Death | 13 Jul 1990 [5, 14] | |
| Burial | Church of the Holy Cross Cemetery, Stateburg, Sumter County, South Carolina [3] |
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| Person ID | I24279 | Singleton and Related Families |
| Last Modified | 7 Jan 2026 | |
| Father | George Lafayette MABRY, Sr., b. 7 Feb 1884 d. 19 Mar 1954 (Age 70 years) | |
| Mother | Alberta STUCKEY, b. 28 Oct 1884 d. 9 May 1951 (Age 66 years) | |
| _UID | 6C0F1FC72A134948B521B1B50E53543A5AEA | |
| _UID | 6C0F1FC72A134948B521B1B50E53543A5AEA | |
| Family ID | F17152 | Group Sheet | Family Chart |
| Family | Eulena MYERS, b. 1919, Sumter County, South Carolina d. 10 May 2004 (Age 85 years) | |||||||
| Marriage | 16 Oct 1941 | Sumter County, South Carolina [17] |
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| _UID | 74492BA65CD34048B60D43FE7379D77F8BAF | |||||||
| _UID | 74492BA65CD34048B60D43FE7379D77F8BAF | |||||||
| Children |
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| Family ID | F979 | Group Sheet | Family Chart | ||||||
| Last Modified | 11 May 2004 | |||||||
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