Ralph George

Visitation Sunday, June 24, 2012, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Sparkman/Crane Funeral Home.

Graveside Service, 10:00 am Monday, June 25, 2012 at Rose Hill Cemetery, Highway #22, Blooming Grove, Texas 76626.

Sometimes strong convictions can be old fashioned, unbending, even rigid. And sometimes they get you 91 years, 62 years with the same wife, 3 happily married successful children, 10 high functioning grandchildren, 6 dearly loved grandchildren inlaws, and 1 very special first great grandson, a 40 year career with the same company, 54 years at the same church –a happy, healthy joy filled life. Papa GOT IT!!

Robert “Ralph” George was born to John and Mattie Ruth George of Blooming Grove, TX, the youngest of 5 children. After leaving Blooming Grove he received his teaching degree from North Texas Teacher College, where immediately upon graduation he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served 4 years in the Pacific as a weatherman. Once back home he went to work for Oilwell Supply Company, a division of US Steel. He worked there under many different job descriptions for the next 40 years. He met and married his sister’s friend, Mary Gay Wheeler, of Flatonia, TX. Within a month of marriage, they were making plans to move to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, where they thrived, enjoying the great wonderful outdoors. Two of their 3 children were born there.

Back in Texas, they settled for the next 54 years in the same house in Lake Highlands. There Ralph became an active member of Lake Highland United Methodist Church, where he served in many capacities. He and Mary Gay square danced, served Meals on Wheels,and he even drove the Neighborhood Patrol with a neighbor. He was very involved in Boy Scout Troop 890 due to his love of the outdoors. He passed that love on to his kids and grandkids through camping, hiking, fishing, boating, water skiing, gardening, making ice cream and cooking out with them.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, John David George and Mattie Ruth Dorsey George, his sisters Cora Lee George, Leila Ruth Johnson, Viola Sample, and his brother, John Dorsey George. Ralph is survived by his wife, Mary Gay, his 3 children, Bob George (Linda), Betty Taylor (JL), Katie Smith (Greg), and by his 10 grandchildren Jonathan George(Emily), Michael George, Amy Smith Carpenter (Ryan), Ashley Trout Modisette (Rhett), Blake Smith (Kristine), Mitchell George (Caitlin), Stephen Smith (Katy), Allen Trout, Chris George, MaryBeth Smith, and great grandson Jake George along with numerous nieces and nephews.

In a word, Ralph was a faithful man to his Lord, his church, his wife, his children, and grandchildren and his job. The last two and a half months, Papa wanted nothing more than to “go home”. Early Friday morning June 22, 2012 he made it! He’s Home.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a contribution to Lake Highlands Boy Scout Troop 890 or your favorite charity.

Arrangements entrusted to Sparkman/Crane Funeral Home

10501 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218 (214-327-8291)