Horace Edward Mczilkey

CSM Horace Edward McZilkey US Army Retired AUGUSTA, GA. - Horace Edward McZilkey entered into rest July 23, 2011 at Eisenhower Army Medical Center.Funeral Services will be held Tuesday July 26, 2011 in the chapel of Poteet Funeral Home, 3465 Peach Orchard Road with Reverends Nevil Smith, and Paul Enfinger officiating.Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park with full Military Honors.Ed was born July 24, 1936 in Augusta to the late Connie Lee and Lillie McZilkey. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years Vera (Ginnie) Chavous McZilkey, and his brother Paul McZilkey.Ed is survived by his sons, Dale E. McZilkey and wife Ellen, Hephzibah, Donald E. McZilkey, Madison, Georgia, granddaughter, Victoria Oates and husband Jamie, great granddaughters, Brooklin, Laura and Virginia, Augusta, sisters, Balzora Winter, Hephzibah, Sheila Enfinger (Paul) Walnut Hill, Florida, Faye Matthews (Bobby) Lawrenceville, GA, brothers, James L. McZilkey (Dorothy) Evans, Tony McZilkey (Lavern) Belvedere, South Carolina, sister-in-law Mary McZilkey, Augusta, and many nieces and nephews.Ed was a loving and caring husband, father, brother, and friend; he touched many lives and will be greatly missed.Ed served his God and country in the US Army for 31 years, enlisting as a Paratrooper and achieving the rank of Command Sergeant Major serving in many locations including France, Germany, Thailand, Korea and Vietnam.Ed was a true patriot and highly decorated disabled combat veteran.He earned many medals, commendations, and citations for meritorious service, including the Bronze Star for valor for his heroic actions during combat in Vietnam where he risked his life to save his troops.As a result of his tour in Vietnam he was stricken with a chronic disease and after completing his tour was hospitalized for over a year.He suffered with the effects of the illness for the rest of his life but went on to complete his military career and upon retirement joined the team at Bob Maddox Dodge as new car sales manager for 14 years.Ed was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, and VetFriends, he was a life member of the Masonic Lodge, a 32nd Degree Mason, and Eastern Star Past Patron.Ed was a member of Piney Grove Baptist Church where he served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons, adult Sunday School Teacher, Church Trustee, and in recent years due to his declining health was honored to be chosen Deacon Emeritus.Pallbearers will be the Ceremonial Detachment of Fort Gordon.Honorary Pallbearers will be the Deacons of Piney Grove Baptist Church and Harold Huffman.Masonic Funeral Rites will be conducted by Masonic Lodge number 374.The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday July 25, 2011.In lieu of flowers Ed requested that you remember him with a donation to Piney Grove Baptist Church 5060 Mike Padgett Highway, Augusta, GA 30906. The Poteet Funeral Home, 3465 Peach Orchard Road, 706.798.78886 is in charge of the funeral arrangements.