Harry Guy Paddon III

Harry is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia, three children: Karen Kern (Greg), Angela Woo (Anton), and Steven Paddon (Tina). He also leaves behind six beautiful grandchildren, Kristen Kern, Daniel Kern, Nathan Woo, Sarah Woo, Trevor Paddon and Audrey Paddon. He loved family time and traveled frequently to Ohio and Virginia to spend time with his children, their families and his wonderful grandchildren.

Harry grew up in Silver Spring, MD, graduating from Blair High School. Harry was an Air Force veteran graduating in 1962 from the United States Air Force Academy, where his class was known as the RTB’s. Harry served with distinction and valor in the Vietnam War as an F-105 fighter pilot where he earned three Distinguished Flying Crosses and a Bronze Star. He joined the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron in Korat, Thailand where he flew 100 combat missions over North Vietnam. Several flights were Pack 6 missions North of Hanoi which included MiGs, flak and SAMs that all wanted to end his day early. Harry most hated losing his friends in combat where he lost half of his Nellis F-105 class over North Vietnam. After returning home from Vietnam, he was stationed at Moody AFB, GA, Spangdahlem AFB, Germany and Wright Patterson AFB, OH. While at AFIT he earned a master's degree in Electrical Engineering. He retired from the Air Force in 1984. He worked for Government contractors in Dayton, OH until 2002, when he retired and moved to The Villages, FL.

In 1987, he was a founding member of the Warrior Soccer Club in Huber Heights, Ohio and a coach for over 20 years. The soccer tournament he helped create, the Warrior Classic, has grown to include over 500 teams as his legacy continues.

Pat and Harry moved to The Villages in 2002 where Harry continued coaching by joining The Villages Charter High School boy's varsity soccer team as the Goalie Coach. He also enjoyed golfing and model railroading as a member of The Villages Model Railroad Club. Harry joined and became an active member of New Covenant United Methodist Church in Lady Lake.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, 3 July at 11am at New Covenant United Methodist Church, Summerhill Campus, The Villages, FL.

A burial service will be at Bushnell National Military Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers we would ask that you consider making a donation to Fisher House (www.fisherhouse.org) or New Covenant United Methodist Church (www.ncumcfl.com).

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