In Loving Memory of George Russell Kitzmiller II, formerly of RD1 Elk Garden, died Sunday, May 21, 2023, with his family by his side, at the Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Fla.
Born at Potomac Valley Hospital, Keyser, on September 3, 1949, he was the son of G. Russell (Ruck) and Eloise (Dulin) Kitzmiller and grandson of Stephen Edward and Cora Alice (Combs) Dulin and William Henry and Carrie Kansada (Wilson) Kitzmiller.
He was preceded in death not only by his parents and grandparents but also by many ancestors. Mr. Kitzmiller is referenced in Dr. John M. Kitzmiller’s book, “From the Danube to the Susquehanna: 350 Years of the Kitzmiller Family.”
As a 1968 graduate of Elk Garden High School, Elk Garden, and The Mineral County Vocational Technical Center, Keyser, it prepared him for the future. He was proficient in the mechanical and construction trades, and this training carried him throughout his career.
Mr. Kitzmiller served as Army Specialist Four (Sp4) during the Vietnam War, from June 1969 to December 1970, with the reserve obligation ending June 12, 1975. SP/4 Kitzmiller was among 13 members of the 2nd Battalion (Airmobile) 506th Infantry who received the Silver Star. Sp/4 Kitzmiller won the award for capturing a 51-caliber machine gun on July 21, 1970, and distinguishing himself for gallantry in action in helping with the successful evacuation of Fire Support Base Ripcord. At 21 years old, Sp/4 Kitzmiller also holds two Purple Heart Medals, National Defense Service Ribbon, Marksmanship Badge (m-14), Air Commendation Metal, Bronze Star Medal, and Army Commendation Medal.
After his military service, Mr. Kitzmiller moved to Miami, Fla., in 1972, seeking job opportunities, warm weather, ocean breezes, and deep-sea fishing. He held several labor jobs and finally got a break when Skipper Hill (Hills Bros. Coffee) hired him. Hills Bros. was expanding their business to include solar heating, and he enjoyed the challenges and opportunities. By 1984, he opened his own business, Miami Plumbing & Solar Heating, Inc. He had two approved patents in solar heating and his master plumbing license. He had a successful business for 36 years until his death.
Mr. Kitzmiller is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Honoring his wishes, George will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, pending the assigned date and time. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Fred Jenkins Funeral Home.
Surviving are his sister, Linda Susan Kitzmiller Perry (Rick); and cousins, Doris Jean Kitzmiller Sowers (Frank), Carolyn Sue Kitzmiller Calandrella, Dixie Lee Kitzmiller Brinkman, Cathy Kitzmiller Kesner, Joan Kitzmiller Harvey (Charlie), Mary Louise Kitzmiller Bruckey (Jim), and Margaret Eloise Murphy Reed (Jay).
A tribute goes to the staff at The Bruce W. Carter Veterans Affairs Memorial Hospital, The Community Living Center, and The Fisher House, 1201 NW 16th Street, Miami, FL 33125. Mr. Kitzmiller’s family wishes to especially thank Dr. Eduardo Lopez, Dr. Enrique Aguilar, Social Worker Erica Lara, Nurse Abraham Mammen, and Fisher House Manager Richie Sanchez for their world-class healthcare and safety solutions.
In lieu of flowers, please remember George R. Kitzmiller by contributing to one of the following:
Payable to “MIAMI VAHS” Reference: “In memory George R. Kitzmiller” Addressed to: The Miami VA Healthcare System Fisher House (019), Attn: Richie Sanchez 1201 NW 16th Street Miami, FL. 33125
Payable to “HAGAN EVANS DAR CHAPTER” Reference: In memory George R. Kitzmiller, addressed to: Anna Chandler, Treasurer, Wreaths Across America Fund 1118 Wasco Street Morgantown, WV. 26508.
Condolences:
www.fredjenkinsfuneralhome.com
