George Edward Halford died Monday, Jan. 5, 2009, at his residence after a lengthy illness. He was 49.

Born in Vicksburg, he was the son of the late James M. Halford and Margaret Jenne Halford. He was a graduate of St. Aloysius High School, Class of 1977, and received the Bachelor of Science and journalism degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Mr. Halford had a long and distinguished career of 28 years of government service with dedication and commitment. After graduation, he advanced from editor of his college newspaper to a public affairs practitioner at the Vicksburg District, where he worked for five years. After a year at the Mississippi River Division, he moved to Headquarters Public Affairs in Washington, D.C., as editor of the Engineer Update. Mr. Halford’s public affairs experience and expertise earned him a reputation as an astute, professional adviser with a wealth of historic knowledge, seasoned judgment and responsive customer service. While in Washington, D.C., he earned his Master of Journalism degree from Georgetown University.

He led efforts to develop and launch the online Digital Visual Library to collect high-quality digital imagery and posted the first original Web site for USACE Public Affairs and the Engineer Update. As the public affairs leader working with information management, he developed the first comprehensive engineer regulation to define guidelines and policy for Web use. Mr. Halford led a new USACE Web branding effort to achieve a Corps-wide Internet identity with standardized templates.

On the day after 9/11, he volunteered to deploy to New York to tell the USACE portion of the unforgettable World Trade Center terrorist attack aftermath and provided valuable assistance and leadership to other PAOs on the ground.

Mr. Halford received the Meritorious Civilian Service Award in recognition of his accomplishments and service to Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, from May 1988 to 2008. His peers agreed that he was an invaluable role model, professional communicator and leader who sought electronic and communication solutions for the benefit of the internal and external audiences. The citation he received with the Meritorious Civilian Service Award recognized George Halford’s outstanding achievements to the Public Affairs profession, the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the United States Army.

He was a communicant of St. Paul Catholic Church.

He is survived by three brothers, James L. “Jimmy” Halford and his wife, Mary Dee, and William K. “Bill” Halford of Vicksburg and Matthew G. “Matt” Halford of Corpus Christi, Texas; two nieces, Mary Margaret Halford of Vicksburg and Madyson K. Halford of Corpus Christi; two nephews, James A. “Jimbo” Halford of Vicksburg and Matthew G. Halford Jr. of Corpus Christi; an aunt, Mary Josephine Schackle-ford of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; and numerous cousins.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at St. Paul Catholic Church with Monsignor Patrick Farrell and the Rev. Alfred Camp as celebrants. Visitation will be tonight from 5 until 7 p.m. at Riles Funeral Home with a prayer service at 6:30. Visitation will also be Friday at St. Paul Catholic Church from 1 p.m. until the hour of the service.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Camellia Hospice for their loving care and professionalism during the past months.

Pallbearers will be Ray Matteson, Mark Antoine, Tom Schrichte, James L. “Jimmy” Halford, Matthew G. “Matt” Halford, William K. “Bill” Halford and James A. “Jimbo” Halford.

Honorary pallbearers will be Chris Antoine, Scott Saunders, David Hosemann, H. Gerald Hosemann, Greg Evans and Brig. Gen. Michael Walsh.

Memorials may be made to Vicksburg Catholic School, 1900 Grove St., Vicksburg, MS 39183.

Riles Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.