MSGT. (retired) George Modzik, 89, of Powell, Tenn., died Monday, December 2, 2024. George was born May 27, 1935, in Jere, the ninth of 11 children. He was a son of the late Joseph and Rose Petempa Modzik. George was proud of his large immigrant Polish family, and all of their accomplishments over the years.
George graduated from University High School in Morgantown. When he turned 18, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he was trained in radar and was one of the first to be trained using Doppler Radar. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and retired from the USAF after 20 years.
George then worked as a maintenance supervisor for the Department of Energy at the Y12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tenn. until he retired. During this time, he completed a BS in Economics from the University of Tennessee. George was also selected and participated in the Honor Flight for veterans.
George loved golfing, bow hunting, and fishing. He was an avid gardener and planted a yearly vegetable garden. He was also a master tinkerer and enjoyed working with his hands. He loved spending vacations at the beach with his wife, Sue. George also enjoyed spending time with his family and would always create fun, interactive family games for the large Modzik Family reunions. He was involved with his three daughters, four stepchildren and many grandchildren and great- grandchildren.
George is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Sue Modzik; his three daughters, Debbie Schmadel (Don) of Blythewood, S.C., Ann Watson of Granville, Ohio, and Beth Modzik Coode of Jekyll Island, Ga.; four stepchildren, Robert Defenderfer, Sharon Defenderfer, John Defenderfer, and Jim Defenderfer, all of Powell, Tenn.; 10 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; one sister, Irene Liberatore of Morgantown; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by five sisters, Elizabeth Modzik, Ann Yashinsky, Helen Osecky, Jenny Sottile, Carol Modzik; and four brothers, Joseph Modzik, Andrew Modzik, William Modzik and Julian “Junior” Modzik. Also, family members Eve Modzik and David Coode.
A Memorial Mass was held at noon on Saturday, December 7 in All Saints Catholic Church on Cedar Bluff Road, Knoxville, Tenn.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Wounded Warrior Project.
