Major George W. (Bill) Place, 87, of St. Marys died June 17, 2021 peacefully at home.

He was the youngest child of Dr. George W. Place and Mildred (Mack) Place who preceded him in death. He was born June 19, 1933. He married Janice A. Moser on November 1, 1952 who preceded him in death in December 2005. Bill is survived by his daughter; Angie (Mike) Metz of Gahanna, OH; son in law, Norton Frank Jr. of St. Marys; Grandchildren; Katie (Chris) Brinker of San Diego, CA; Tres (Janelle) Frank of Powell, OH; Michael Metz of Visalia,CA; and Alex Metz of Gahanna. He is also survived by five great grandchildren; Kensey, Harper and Nash Frank and Bodhi and Charley Brinker. He's also survived by many beloved nephews, nieces, distant family and dear friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his daughter, Pamela Frank; brother Dr. Robert (Betty) Place and sister Betty (Bob) Jordan.

Bill was a graduate of St. Marys Memorial High School (Class of 1952) and proud alumni of The Ohio State University. He was involved with ROTC while at OSU and graduated as a 2nd lieutenant in the US Air Force. The Air Force remained his passion and he made it his 20 year career. He graduated from pilot school in 1955 and flew multiple missions in the Vietnam and Cold Wars. He commanded and flew KC135 Stratotankers and for all who knew him, had many interesting refueling adventures and stories. For many years he served as a flight instructor and logged over 4500 flight hours.

Bill was a devoted husband, father and family man. This was a challenge at times due to the commitment involved with spending many hours, weeks, and months on call with SAC (Strategic Air Command). His family devotion shined thru when Bill was able to relocate his family with him to Taiwan, where he was stationed, as well as other relocation assignments.

Bill's final Air Force assignment landed him at Wright Patterson AFB in Fairborn, OH. He retired in 1975 to St. Marys, residing at the Grand Lake, which he adored.

After retirement he and his wife (Jan) dabbled in other interests: Now & Then Antique shop, flipping old houses, and even a bait and tackle shop. Bill also sold cars and real estate and worked at Ace Hardware.

Bill was a life member of the VFW and American Legion.

Bill's quirky, eccentric and thrifty ways will be forever missed by those who knew and loved him.

Friends may call from 4-7 pm on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at Miller Funeral Home 1605 Celina Road (Ohio 703 West) in St. Marys. A private celebration of Bills' life will be observed on a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to either Grand Lake Hospice or Grand Lake Recreation Club (GLRC).

Condolences may be sent to Bill's' family via www.millerfuneralhomes.net