More detail on this person: Lt Col George Patton Olin, USMC (Ret) died peacefully at home in Ocklawaha on November 6, 2018. George was a highly decorated combat veteran of Viet Nam, a helicopter pilot considered by those with whom he served a "Marine's Marine." He held prestigious commands and served as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations/Air Warfare at the Pentagon. He successfully fought many battles but lost his year-long struggle with cancer. George was born November 1, 1942 at Munroe Hospital and raised in Ocklawaha, the son of Alice Martin Olin and John Hilden Olin. A proud fifth-generation Floridian, George treasured his experiences growing up on Lake Weir and the lifetime friendships resulting from his country upbringing. He graduated from Lake Weir High School in 1960, attended then Central Florida Junior College in Ocala and graduated from the University of South Florida, upon which he was commissioned a Marine officer. After a distinguished career which took him all over the world, he stayed retired for about 20 minutes, then followed his lifelong interest in horticulture to establish successful agri-businesses in Orlando and Candler. George was preceded in death by his parents, his stepdaughter, Ellen Bailey, and his constant canine companion, Rufus. Surviving are the love of his life, his wife, Cheryl; sons, John Olin of Orlando and David Olin of Jupiter, stepson, Jason Bailey of Birmingham, AL; grandchildren, Chase and Van Olin, Caitlin, Taylor, and Kira Bailey; brothers, Hilden Olin of Lutz, James Luffman of Lakeland; sisters, Jenny Lind Olin of Tampa, Mary Ann Mills of Ocklawaha, and Kathy Mason of Belleview; and a host of devoted friends across the country and around the world. The family is grateful to Dr. Vipul Patel and the staff at Florida Cancer Specialists in Ocala for enabling George to enter remission and enjoy several months of near-normal health after his initial cancer diagnosis, and to Hospice of Marion County for their services, which allowed him to die at home in the arms of his wife.
Burial information: Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL
This information was last updated 11/12/2018
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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