George D. Hains, Jr. was born in Boston, Massachusetts to George D. Hains and Sarah Hilson Hains on February 1, 1923. George was married to his wife, Marilyn, July 3, 1955. They have one son, Richard and a 14 year old grandson Tyler, who presently reside in Florida.
George enlisted in the U.S. Navy in June 1941 and transferred to the Fleet reserve as a Chief Storekeeper after 22 years of active duty service. He entered on the retired rolls June 1, 1971 with 30 years of loyal service. During his enlistment, George served in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters of operation during World War II. He participated in the invasion of North Africa and Normandy as well as the invasion of Okinawa. During his service, George was awarded numerous campaign medals and accolades for his service. He served as an ROTC instructor at the University of Kansas, where he met and married his wife.
George was initiated into the Doric Lodge #140 of Free and Accepted Masons of Florida on March 13, 1946. He has maintained an active role in the Masonic Lodges and currently recognized with 65 years of service.
Upon completion of his military service, George accepted employment at the Federal Correctional Institute in Lompoc, CA, where he retired as a lead foreman in the Federal Prison Industries with 21 years of service in 1983.
George joined the Boy Scouts of America as an adult leader in 1972, during which, he served as Pack Commissioner, Troop Commissioner, Unit Commissioner and 6 years as District Commissioner for Del Rio District. During his tenure, George received a Distinguished Commissioner Award in 1995 and the Silver Beaver award in 1999. Both of these are the highest awards that can be given to an adult scouter by the Boy Scouts of America. George organized and chartered Pack and Troop #2274, both of which were sponsored by the Lompoc Elks Lodge #2274. During his time in scouting, he participated in numerous hiking and camping adventures, including three 50 mile hikes over the John Muir Trail in the Sierra Madre Mountains with Troop 2274.
In addition, George has been a long time member of the Fleet Reserve Association, Radio Emergency Action Communication Team ( R.E.A.C.T.), National Association of Retired Federal Employees, American Association of Retired Persons, Post 100 of the American Legion, the American Federation of Government Employees Local at the United States Penitentiary and a 20 year member of the Lompoc Elks Lodge.
George is survived by his wife of 56 years Marilyn, his son Richard, daughter in-law Laura and grandson Tyler.
A memorial service will take place on Monday, October 24, 2011 at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary, 123 North A Street, Lompoc at 11 am. A reception will follow for all guests at the Lompoc Elks Lodge.