George Richard Straka III

Mr. Straka was born November 30, 1931, in Southern Pines, NC, to George Richard, Jr. and Helena Vick Straka.

He graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University and served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict in the Submarines on the U.S.S. Rasher.

Mr. Straka had been a resident of High Point since 1977 and retired from the High Point Enterprise after 11 years of service as Business Manager. He then worked part-time with friend Howard Altizer at Altizer & Company as Comptroller until last November. He was of the Presbyterian faith.

George had a quick wit, enjoyed his daily crossword puzzle and crypto-quote, was a good cook, and dabbled in gardening. He was a bird watcher, accidental squirrel feeder, and loved his hummingbirds. George enjoyed his longtime “crew” of friends here in High Point and spent many afternoons with them out on his deck listening to his “oldies but goodies” music and singing along.

He is survived by his sister Dorothy Cochrane (Sam), of Pompton Lakes, NJ, their children and grandchildren; his son James V. (Terri) of Hickory, NC and their children (Weston and Kelli); son George Richard IV (aka Chip) of High Point, NC; and daughter Kathryn Layne and “grand-dog” Mia of Charlotte, NC; nephew Michael Straka (Sharon) of Ft. Worth, TX, son of George’s brother Robert James and Ruth G. Straka of Southern Pines, NC (deceased) and Michael’s children Christy Straka of Wilmington, NC and Kerry Straka Jones (Rob) and their children, also of Wilmington, NC, and Chris Collins (Kelly) and their daughter, of Claudville, VA.

Like George’s favorite singer good ole “Frankie Baby” Frank Sinatra, he “did it his way...”

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Hospice of the Piedmont, 1801 Westchester Drive, High Point, NC 27262. Please share your condolences with the family at www.sechrestfunerals.com.

Family will receive visitors Friday, May 17, 2013 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Sechrest Funeral Home in High Point.