Friday, April 1, 2022

Passing of George Willcox

 I'm passing on the very nice tributes written by Brenda Long and Darla Miller of Virginia ACTE. - Jim

Loss of a friend and colleague.


It is with a sad and heavy heart to inform you of the passing of George Willcox, retired State CTE Director, on Wednesday. George was a stalwart for CTE in Virginia and nationally.  He devoted 47 years to CTE with 41 of those with VDOE, Office of CTE.  George supported Virginia ACTE and the CTE division associations, quality CTE programs for students as well as expanded opportunities for students, and continued to strengthen the relationship with Virginia ACTE and VDOE.  He officially retired on February 1, 2022, and yesterday we lost a great advocate for CTE.  Rest In peace, Our Friend.  You ran a good race.

George provided leadership and support for Technology and Engineering Education for 47 years before his retirement on December 31, 2021. He joined the Department of Education as the advisor for the Technology Student Association in 1978 and served as a supervisor of the program of Technology and Engineering Education until his promotion in 2006. 

Most recently, he served as State Director of Career, Technical, and Adult Education. It is difficult to describe the range of impact he had on Technology and Engineering education, adding engineering courses in the mid 1990’s. He was active in TSA and the International Technology and Engineering Educator’s Association, serving as president in 2006. He was also active in the Virginia Association of Career and Technical Education. His was a giant in the field and will be sorely missed. He is survived by his daughter Angela Minor. Service information is not yet available. 

 A video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NBf7C_ba2dfX7mMQ-6FCA6t-UFy-lQ4g/view?usp=sharing