George Daniel Reid

In Memory of
George Daniel Reid
July 8, 1923 - July 8, 2020

George Daniel Reid passed away peacefully on his 97th birthday, July 8, 2020. George was born in Savannah, Ga., on July 8, 1923, the son of Annie Josephine Frierson Reid and William McNeil Reid.

George graduated from Savannah High School in 1941. He entered NC State University for one year and then was inducted into the U.S. Army Air Force in 1942.

George received his pilot wings in 1944. He was commissioned as a captain and assigned to the 313th Wing, 9th Bomb Group, 1st Squadron as a pilot of the B-29 Superfortress. He was based on Tinian Island in the Pacific theater during WWII. During the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender on September 2, 1945, George piloted a B-29 named Dinah Might as part of the massive formation of 525 B-29 Superfortresses that overflew USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. George honorably and proudly served his country for four years on active duty and 14 years in the USAF Reserve, completing his service in September 1961.

At the conclusion of WWII, George returned to NC State University, joined by his bride Dorothy Mae Ryals after their marriage on Aug. 10, 1946, in Tampa, Fla.

George graduated from NC State University with a degree in textile engineering in June 1949. He soon began a long career with Monsanto Company where he served as a technical service manager and later as a commercial and product development manager. His career took him to Pensacola, Fla., Atlanta, Charlotte, N.C., and Greenville, S.C. George's career centered around development of bulked continuous filament nylon, an innovation for tufted carpet. A highlight of George's career was being instrumental in the creation of sports-and-recreation artificial turf, Astro Turf. After 29 years of service at Monsanto, George retired in 1985.

Throughout George's life, he enjoyed traveling the backroads of the Blue Ridge Mountains, sharing WWII history and listening to big band music. He was often heard whistling a hymn that was dear to his heart.

George was preceded in death by his loving wife, Dorothy Ryals Reid, of 58 years. He is survived by two daughters, Patricia Greear (James) of Sautee Nacoochee, Ga., and Susan Woodard (Michael) of Beaufort, N.C.; four grandchildren, Justin Greear (Sheila), Brian Woodard (Averi), Anna Woodard and Daniel Woodard; and four great-grandchildren, Carly, James and Lucy Greear and Sadie Woodard. Memorial contributions may be made to Gary Sinise Foundation, P.O. Box 368, Woodland Hills, CA 91365, www.garysinisefoundation.org. He was a member of American Legion Post 1 in Raleigh, N.C.