Dr. George Andrew Kellner

George was from England, born in Sonning Common (not far from Reading) to Andrew and Dorothy Kellner, on August 7, 1938. George grew up in post-war England and received his medical degree from the Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine (now part of University College London) in 1962. George came to the United States in 1966. He lived in Cleveland, Ohio, until 1973 when he moved to Tampa, Florida, where he lived for the rest of his life. George was an anesthesiologist, practicing at Tampa General Hospital, Memorial Hospital, and, for most of his career, Saint Joseph’s Hospital. George made America his home, eventually becoming an American citizen, and a patriotic one at that, but he never completely lost touch with his English roots. When CB radios were popular, his handle was the “Slimey Limey,” and when asked about his accent, he’d say he was from “London, Alabama.” While he lived in Florida for nearly fifty years, George was almost always eager for a long road trip; to the question “how much farther, Dad?”, the answer was always: “Two more miles.” George loved photography as well, taking his slide camera with him on every family vacation. George was passionate about all things mechanical: he had his pilot’s license and flew an airplane for many years. He’s rumored to have been forever fixing his Jaguar and to have once owned a Ferrari (before having to share cars with his children). He could take a GMC Jimmy mudding and replace the engine when necessary. His children remember a rusted-out Land Rover in the back yard for many years, before Land Rovers were cool in the U.S. It was never seen running. George’s main hobby, though, was collecting military vehicles. He owned lightweight “Mules” and six-wheeled “Gamma Goats,” among many others, and always had an eye out for parts, manuals, or other memorabilia. By necessity from his main hobby, George was also an avid tool collector, with many odd and interesting tools in his collection. George was very active in the church as well - attending services and his men’s group as much as possible, and always sharing opportunities for his family to accompany him. Most recently he worshipped regularly at Grace Family Church. George was married three times, to Jackie, Rose, and Charlene (Charlie); he is survived by Charlie, his four children -- Andrew (Milly), Chris (Beth), Clair, and Joe, and his grandchildren (Dakota, Tyler, Max, and Dominic), who will miss him very much.

A visitation for Dr. George will be held Sunday, January 23, 2022, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Blount & Curry FH-Carrollwood, 3207 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33618, followed by a celebration of life from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

George’s family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Dawn Debrunner and all of the staff at Opis Fairway Oaks Center, who did so much to make George’s last days comfortable, peaceful, and fun.

George was very fond of his dogs, Snoop and Woggles, who were both rescues. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Team Moose Animal Rescue at https://www.teammooserescue.org/donations or to SPCA Tampa Bay at https://spcatampabay.org.