Artifact Friday: George Leonard McCandless

George Leonard McCandless was born on November 17th, 1938 in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and

grew up during and in the aftermath of World War II. He grew up learning about American patriotism

as his father served in World War II in the United States Army. After graduating from Fayetteville

High School in 1956, McCandless decided to follow his father and join the United States Army

, and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. This was the start of McCandless's paratrooper career, which would continue into

his civilian years. After leaving the Army, McCandless became a member of the Parachute Association and joined the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

George started the Arkansas Falling Stars Skydiving Team, teaching others to jump as he did

as a paratrooper. George himself made 2,187 jumps out of an airplane during his life, showing

his dedication to teaching others and his love of jumping. Other than these accomplishments,

George retired from Fayetteville Glass after working there for 32 years and was a lifelong

resident of Fayetteville, Arkansas. George became a founding member of Sequoyah United

Methodist Church and helped to establish the Ozark Military Museum. McCandless helped start

the Ozark Military Museum to teach future generations that “The best hope of peace is in

remembrance of war.” The Ozark Military Museum merged with the Air Museum in 2012

becoming the Arkansas Air and Military Museum. George McCandless was dedicated to the

teaching of future generations, as was shown in his dedication to his community and his country

during his life. George passed away in 2021 and is survived by his wife, his two children, and

four grandchildren. During this Father's Day, we can look at the best of what our fathers have

accomplished and the support they bring to not only your family but the community around

them.