Stephen "Mike" George

Mr. Stephen Michael George, age 75, of Advance, passed away peacefully at home with family beside him on Thursday, March 27, 2025. For the past 15 years of his living with Alzheimer's/Dementia, there were many challenges. Without the support of family, old friends, new friends, caregivers this past year from Hospice and Yellow Butterfly Home Care and mostly strength from above, it would have been unbearable. So, thank you to each and everyone who has been with us through this journey, especially the past six years.

He was born May 25, 1949 in Greenville, TX to the late Ivy Cecil George and Dorris Christine Ridley George. He married Sharon Pemberton George of Greenville, TX on September 4, 1971, during pilot training at Columbus, MS. His Air Force flying career began with the 53rd Weather Recon Squadron Hurricane Hunters out of Ramey AFB, PR and Keesler AFB, Biloxi, MS. He completed his military service after eight years at Laughlin AFB, Del Rio, TX where he instructed student pilots in the T-38 jet and served as chief of academics. In March 1980, he began a flying career with Piedmont Airlines in Winston-Salem, NC. After 31 years, he retired from commercial flying often saying the years with Piedmont Airlines were the best.

He had many names depending on how you knew him but I think his favorite was "Grumpy" which was jokingly suggested 19 years ago. And so to his granddaughters, Laney and Daniela, that was the name that brightened many smiles and hugs.

Spanning a life well lived from growing up on a farm in Greenville, TX, and playing high school football, his greatest joys were volunteer coaching kid's basketball, studying history especially of the Bible, sharing stories relating to his experiences, taking the dogs on walks, hunting/fishing trips with his brothers, sons and friends, snorkeling for lobster in the Bahamas with Clay and Zach, awaiting the arrival of the first hummingbirds each spring and being a part of a growing family when Clay married Jenn, Zach married Irma. The icing on the cake were the births of Laney and Daniela.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Pemberton George, of 53 years; two sons, Clay George (Jennifer) of Brunswick, GA; Zach George (Irma) of Advance, NC; two grandchildren, Laney George of Athens, GA and Daniela George Perez of Advance, NC and two brothers, Ronnie George (Barbara) of Austin, TX and Larry George (Janice) of Biloxi, MS.

He was simply a quiet and good man, husband, father, grandfather and a friend to all who knew him. He will be missed but it is comforting to know that he is finally at peace.

Matthew 25:23

"His lord said unto him, Well, done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter into the joy of the master."

Arrangements for a Celebration of Life are pending.

Memorials may be made to Samaritan's Purse, Davie Humane Society or to a community organization of choice.