George "Gary" Gary Mudd

MSGT George Gary Mudd, US Air Force, Ret., lovingly known as Two-Arm Gary, passed away on April 20, 2023, in Augusta, Georgia. Born in Silex, Missouri on December 6, 1942, Gary was the son of the late Ralph Edwin and Darlene Marie Shocklee Mudd.  He was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend but his favorite title of all of them was, Papaw. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Gary was the oldest of three boys and grew up in Lincoln County, Missouri. After graduating from Silex High School in 1960, he began his career with the US Air Force at the age of 17. Gary served his country proudly, receiving several awards including the Good Conduct Medal, Outstanding Unit Award, and Longevity Service Ribbon. Throughout his military career, he served as a Weather Observer, cross-trained into Weather Forecasting, and eventually maintained weather stations. Gary also managed Nike Missile Sites while stationed in South Dakota. His service took him to various locations inside and outside  the United States. Gary retired from the Air Force in 1980.

On December 21, 1963, Gary married the love of his life and the only women who would tolerate him, Barbra Crane Mudd, in Marietta, Georgia, while stationed at Dobbins Air Force Base.  Together, they raised three children.

After retiring from the Air Force, Gary moved back to Powder Springs, Georgia, and began a new career with the United States Postal Service in Smyrna, Georgia as a letter carrier. He retired in 2007 and soon moved back to Missouri to care for his aging mother. In 2016, Gary and Barb relocated to Georgia and chose Lincoln County as their home, as a nod to his roots being born and raised in Lincoln County, Missouri. As it was his favorite joke to make since he settled into his last home, it seems fitting that Gary was born in one Lincoln County and passed away in another.

Gary was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and made it a point to watch or listen to every game they played. In fact, he would say that his favorite team was either the ‘Cards or “any other team playing against the Chicago Cubs.” In his later years, Gary enjoyed watching their replays on YouTube while simultaneously keeping up with  the Weather Channel. And, true to the Mudd name, as he got older he became somewhat crochety and selectively hard of hearing which made teasing him all the more fun for those closest to him.

In addition to his wife Barb of 60 years, Gary is survived by his children, Tracey, Sharon, Melissa and husband Edward; his grandchildren, Jordan, Natalie, and Hannah; his brother, Howard and wife Charlotte of Colorado; his nephews; Derek and Corey; and at least a third of the population of Silex, Missouri. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Darlene, and his brother, William Wayne.

As we remember and celebrate the life of MSGT George Gary Mudd, US Air Force, Ret., we are grateful for his service to our country, his unwavering love for his family, his snarky disposition, his teasing personality, and his dedication to his faith. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Mass will be held on Monday May 1st, 2023 at 11:00am at Good Shepard Catholic Church located at 1401 Greenwood Highway, McCormick, South Carolina, 29835 with full military honors following. A reception will be held immediately afterwards.

Beggs Funeral Home, Lincolnton is honored to serve the family of MSGT George Gary Mudd, US Air Force Ret.

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