George Franklin Shivers Jr.

George Franklin Shivers, Jr., 85, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, November 15, 2012, after a period of declining health. He was born in Colquitt County, GA on June 18, 1927 to George and Sallie Shivers. He entered the United States Navy at the young age of 17 and proudly retired as Chief Petty Officer with 30 years of service. After retiring from the Navy in 1974, he began a new career as a sales representative with Southeastern Sales Company. He retired from the business world in 1984. He was a generous and determined man who lived by and for his deep faith in Jesus Christ. He was actively involved in many Baptist churches over the years, most notably Pittsboro Baptist, where he was a member for over 20 years. He went on many mission trips with the NC Baptist Men. He was also instrumental in establishing the Spanish Mission Church of Pittsboro , “Iglesia Bautista misionera roca fuerte”.

He was an incredible husband, father, grandfather and father-in-law. George is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jeanette; his daughters, Judy Shivers Watts and her husband, Holt, of Apex; and Karen Shivers Barnette and her husband, Steve, of Cary. George was the proud “PaPa’ to 5 surviving grandchildren, Brian Johnson and his wife, Karen; Brandon Watts and his wife, Candace; Lindsey Barnette and her boyfriend, Marc Johnson; Jessica Cooke; and Mandy Hartley and her husband, David. Also surviving are 4 great-grandchildren, Alyssa and Garrett Johnson; and Tate and Sadie Hartley, and a great-grandson due to Brandon and Candace in April, 2013. He is also survived by 5 brothers and sisters, Joseph Shivers and his wife, Myrtie; Carroll Shivers and his wife, Dawn; Margaret Wood and her husband, Dee; Jean Golden and her husband, Jimmy; and Ronnie Shivers and his wife, Brenda, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, James Shivers and Billy Shivers.

George loved everything outdoors including gardening, hunting and fishing. He always enjoyed spending time at Lake Gaston with his family. He was also an avid NCSU fan. He loved watching Wolfpack football and basketball. He held his family, his compassion for others, and his love for his church at the center of his heart. He loved his family and was especially blessed to have a wonderful marriage with his soul mate, Jeanette. He and Jeanette were inseparable right up until his passing. He also loved his many friends throughout his lifetime. People always said that he never met a stranger and always had such a positive outlook on life. He was known for his compassion for others, kind heart, and incredible strength. Because he touched so many lives, his loss will leave a huge void.

The family would like to thank all of the doctors and nurses who cared for George, especially over the last 11 months. Special appreciation goes to Lesia Mattison for the loving care she gave to George and Jeanette in their home.

The family will receive friends Saturday, November 17, 2012, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Apex Funeral Home, 550 W. Williams St, Apex, NC. A funeral service will be held at Westwood Baptist Church, 200 Westhigh St, Cary, NC, on Sunday, November 18, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Wake Memorial Park, 7002 Green Hope School Rd, Cary, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials may be made to the Bus Fund at Westwood Baptist Church or the Spanish Mission Church of Pittsboro, 1365 NC Hwy 902, Pittsboro, NC 27312.

Online condolences may be made to www.apexfuneral.net