George Winston Loving

George Winston Loving of Richmond, Virginia, aged 91, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2021 following a long illness. George was a great man, a friend to all he met, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. During his life, he was a member of the Virginia Freemasons (Manchester Lodge) and Berryman United Methodist Church.

George is survived by his wife of 67 years, Faye Louise, children Sharon Ewell (John) and Bill Loving (Missy), grandchildren Lauren Nelson (Matt), Thomas Ewell, T.J. Miller, Grant Loving, and Rachael Loving, and great-grandchild Ben Nelson. He is also survived by his sister Betty Jo Butler, special nephews Lee and John Butler, Brad and Bruce Long, and a host of other nieces and nephews.

George was born September 29, 1929 in Lynchburg, Virginia to Josephine and Alexander (A.W.) Loving. George grew up in Richmond and attended John Marshall High School, where he was in the corps of cadets. In high school, he met the love of his life, Faye Long. George went on to graduate from Virginia Tech in the class of 1950 with a B.S. in mechanical engineering. He served in the U.S. Army, active and reserves, rising to first lieutenant. George and Faye married in 1953 and lived for a time at Ft. Bliss, Texas, where George was stationed, then in Tappahannock, Virginia, where their first child, Sharon, was born. In Tappahannock, he worked at his dad’s car dealership, Loving Chevrolet.

Returning to Richmond, George was employed by Carpenter Company for 34 years, rising to the position of Vice President of Sales. His career took him and his family to Memphis, Tennessee, where son Bill was born, and Chicago, Illinois, before again returning home in 1967 to Richmond to stay. George traveled extensively for his job and piloted a small plane, owned by the company, to his more remote destinations. His time flying the plane was a highlight of his life, and one long-remembered in his retirement.

In retirement, George enjoyed playing golf at Willow Oaks with friends, antiquing with Faye, spending time with family, and beach vacations to Amelia Island or Myrtle Beach. A compassionate man, he saw his elders through the final years of their lives, assuring they were cared for to the best of his ability. George also bought a farm that had been in the family for generations, and where he had happy times growing up. He spent many enjoyable hours managing the renovation of the farm and revisiting the family history there and in Lovingston.

The family thanks the caring, talented people at Spring Arbor of Richmond and James River Hospice for taking care of George in his last year or so of life. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Given the restrictions of the ongoing pandemic, funeral services will be private. Arrangements are through Woody Funeral Home, Parham Road, Richmond. A memorial with family and friends may be held when there is a return to normalcy.