George Alexander Peterkin Jr.

George Alexander Peterkin, Jr., died on Thursday, the 10th of November 2016, at age 89. He was born in Baton Rouge, LA, on the 12th of April 1927, to George Alexander Peterkin and Genevieve Favrot Peterkin. His family settled in Houston when George was ten years old.

George graduated from high school at Sewanee Military Academy. He joined the Navy as an aviation cadet and was discharged after the war. George graduated from The University of Texas in 1948 and was a member of the Cowboys and Phi Delta Theta. At age twenty-four, he became president of a small barge company known as Dixie Carriers, Inc. Dixie Carriers grew and eventually merged with Kirby Industries, now known as Kirby Corporation. George served Kirby and its predecessors for more than fifty years, serving as president from 1973 to 1995 and as chairman of the board from 1995 to 1999. George, along with his talented coworkers, built Kirby into the largest tank barge business in the U.S.

George belonged to multiple philanthropic and business organizations, giving most generously and effectively of his time, talents, and attention. George was first elected to the board of trustees of Texas Children’s Hospital in 1967 and served until his death. At Texas Children’s, George served as vice president 1976–1977, president 1977-1978, and chairman of the board 1987-1991. He also served on the board of directors of The Texas Medical Center. George and Nancy were strong supporters of Planned Parenthood. George was an active member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO), serving as the international president of YPO 1971–1972.

George was an avid horticulturalist. He enjoyed growing camellias, figs, citrus, fruits, and vegetables. George and Nancy maintained a seasonal garden and cultivated fruit trees at their Colorado summer home.

George was a gifted conversationalist and storyteller. George and Nancy loved to entertain guests at their home and were well known for their annual Christmas and Fourth of July gatherings. George was a croquet enthusiast and introduced the game to his family and friends in Houston. He authored a monthly newsletter, Wicket Thoughts, in which he encouraged and taught the sport of croquet. George belonged to the Eagle Lake Rod and Gun Club, the Bayou Club, the Houston Country Club, the University Club in New York, and Allegro.

George was predeceased by his sister, Patricia Peterkin Pryor; three grandchildren: George Alexander Peterkin, IV, Wesley Thomas Peterkin, and Winston Tyler Hey; and his nephew, Peter McDougal Bean.

He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-two years, Nancy Girling Peterkin; his children and stepchildren: George Alexander Peterkin, III, MD (Susan Garwood), Hannah Watson McManus (Jeff), John Girling Watson (Nora), Julie Peterkin Lee, John Thomas Peterkin (Gail), Susan Peterkin, and Lynn Peterkin; and his grandchildren: Caroline Favrot Lee (Bryan), Eugene Girling Watson (Kate), Elliott Thompson Watson, Lewis Hunter Peterkin, Gavin Thomas Peterkin, Haley Marie Hey, John Garwood Peterkin, and Kate Favrot Peterkin; his nephew, David Barton Bean (Jan) and children Katie Bean Ponce (Patrick) and Andrew Barton Bean (Caroline).

A memorial service will be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon on Monday, the 14th of November, at the Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard in Houston, where The Rev. Douglas W. Richnow, Senior Associate Rector, will officiate.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to Texas Children’s Hospital, Office of Development, Ste. 5214, PO Box 300630, Houston, TX 77230; to Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast, 4600 Gulf Fwy, Office of Development, Houston, TX 77023; or to the charity of one’s choice.