John Carlton Geiger

A man of few words, his actions were generous and bountiful. They spoke of a strong moral compass and a dedication to family that became the hopeful beacon for all who were fortunate enough to be in his life and feel his love.

John was a talented craftsman who demonstrated his love by building many things for his loved ones: playhouses, dog houses, tree houses, basketball courts, stone walls, garden paths, and even a chapel/workshop. He taught billiards to his kids and grandkids. He fixed up cars and boats, and taught his kids and their friends to waterski. He tended gardens with his beloved wife, with whom he shared a passion for wildflowers and nature.

These actions were his words of care and connection. His logical and mechanical mind tutored patiently with great interest, optimism and humility. His big heart was nurtured by a strong faith, continuous studies, and love of the outdoors. He served his community as an adult Sunday School teacher and Stevens Minister. He enriched those around him by sharing his love of bird watching, canoeing, sailing, fishing, hiking, spelunking, swimming, water skiing, tennis, running, dancing, bridge and card games.

John was born to Henry Clay and Ruth Russell Geiger on September 9, 1925 in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania and grew up in Livingston, Tennessee. He graduated high school from McCallie in Chattanooga in 1944 and then Tennessee Tech in 1948 with a degree in electrical engineering. John began his 42 year career with IBM that same year.

John met the love of his life, Mary Gilliland, and they were married in 1951. John and Mary made homes in Chattanooga,TN, Endicott and Poughkeepsie, NY; Dalton GA, Lexington,KY. before making their final home in Raleigh, NC in 1965. Time with family, no matter the distance, always took priority. They traveled to attend dance performances, sports events, and celebrations of their grandchildren. In retirement, John and Mary made many trips exploring new places, people and cultures. Following his wife’s death, John moved to Springmoor Retirement Community where he embraced new friends and lent his talents and enthusiasms to the affairs of his new community.

John was predeceased by his wife of sixty years Mary Gilliland Geiger, his twin brother Charles Geiger and grandson, Steven Schaeffer. John is survived by his children Patricia Geiger of Boone, NC, Margaret Chesson (Earl) of Chapel Hill, NC, Carlton Geiger (Barbara) and Janie Schaeffer (John) of Raleigh, NC. John was blessed by his beloved grandchildren: Elizabeth Hutchison (Don) of Scarsdale, NY, Win Chesson (Audie McRae) of NYC, Mary Barnard (Noel) of Raleigh,NC, Tricia Chesson of Carrboro, NC, Robert Geiger of Raleigh, Margaret Geiger of Raleigh, Chris Schaeffer of Raleigh, NC, Richard Schaeffer of West Palm Beach, FL, and Steven Schaeffer (deceased), and his five great grandchildren; Nicholas, Oliver, Charlie and Ella Hutchison and Addie Barnard . He is also survived by two brothers Donald Geiger (Alice, deceased) of Dallas, TX and Jim Geiger (Paradee) of Bangkok,Thailand and many loved in-laws, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life and memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 23, 2018 at 3:00 pm at Springmoor Retirement Community. The family will receive friends at a reception immediately following the service.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers remembrances be made to Raleigh Moravian Church, 1816 Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607, Springmoor Endowment Fund, 1500 Sawmill Road, Raleigh, NC 27615, or the charity of your choice.