VARP director George Billmyer died in March 2009 after many years of service to the organization and the public. Known for his outspoken, direct comments on railroad operations, he was named a “friend of the Virginia Railway Express” in Commuter Weekly. He was a veteran railroader, having worked for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, the Missouri Pacific, and the New York Central. He also was a VRE commuter for many years from his home in Annandale to his job with the Navy in Arlington and later Washington. He was a veteran of active-duty naval service too.

George was not only a VRE rider, he was one of VRE’s fathers. In the 1980s, he began working to get commuter rail service in northern Virginia. His efforts contributed to the public advocacy, legislation, funding, planning, and more.

As a commuter and VARP director, and even after his retirement, he regularly attended VRE Operations Board meetings, speaking up for the needs of passengers. He also met numerous times with VRE officials.

George gave many years of service to VARP as a member of the board, not only helping to guide the organization but pitching in with work such as staffing displays at public events. In early 2009, owing to his health, he decided to retire from the board, and at its March 7 meeting, the board voted to give him a certificate expressing gratitude to him for his years of service. Unfortunately, he did not live long enough to receive it.