Mr. George Alvin Bickel, 83, of Chincoteague Island, passed away Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019, at Harrison House in Snow Hill, Md. Born March 21, 1935, in Amhurst, Wis., he was a son of the late Walter Bickel and Irene Siedeler Bickel.
Mr. Bickel devoted his life in service to his country, having served three years in the U.S. Marine Corps, four years in the U.S. Air Force, and 14 years in the U.S. Coast Guard. Following discharge from the U.S. Coast Guard, he worked as a firefighter and EMT at Wallops Island Flight Facility until his retirement in 1997. Mr. Bickel was a member of Accomack Lodge No. 243, A.F. & A.M., American Legion Post 159, Shriners International, and Union Baptist Church, where he also volunteered at the food pantry.
Survivors include his two children, Walter Bickel and wife, Carol, of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Mildred Foster and husband, Dennis, of Morehead City, N.C.; sister, Mildred McKeever, of Houston, Texas; nine grandchildren, Alex, Olivia, Lauren, Joshua, Chris, Chassity, Samantha, Lauren, and Amelia; eight great-grandchildren, Trey, Brooks, Khloey, Piper, Brody, Greenlea, Mia, and Blaze; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Bickel was predeceased by his wife, Janice Elizabeth Bickel; daughter, Peggy Ann Willard; sister, Marie Jezerk; and brother, Gordon John Bickel.
Funeral services were conducted from the graveside at the Parksley Cemetery Feb. 26, 2019, with the Rev. Robert Fletcher officiating.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were made by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.