Retired US Air Force Master Sgt George M. Rivera (Santo Ribera), 80, of Lillington, passed away Saturday, December 7, 2019.

George was born and raised in Louisiana and joined the Air Force in 1958.  He served a total of 26 years.  He served in Vietnam, Germany and Taiwan.  He retired at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, NY in 1984.  Following the military, he worked in civil service for 16 years before retiring from this post in 2001 at Pope Air Force Base.

He was an avid golfer; and true to his Louisiana roots, he loved the Saints and LSU football.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 2 pm at O'Quinn-Peebles-Phillips Funeral Home Chapel.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Julia Ribera; and a sister, Ramona Sonnier.

George is survived by his wife, Linda Johnson Rivera; three sons, David Rivera, Dean Rivera and wife Anita, and Dan Rivera and wife Sharmi; 9 grandchildren, David, Carlie, Kyle, Jay, Chandler, Luke, Alexis, Peyton and Sydney; 3 great-grandchildren, Ethan, Kai and Wyatt; sister, Mary Lee Firmin; and brother, Julian Ribera.

The family will receive friends prior to the service on Saturday from 1 to 2 pm at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.