George Milton Wetherington Sr.

George was born on March 14, 1930 in Jasper, NC to John and Liddie Wetherington. He was one of six children from a hard working farm family. Born at the beginning of the Great Depression, he came of age while our country was at war (World War 2). As a young man, he was called to serve his country in the Korean War. There as a fresh faced farm kid, he experienced the horrors of war and gained a unique insight regarding the terrible impact it made on the home-front for those families whose fathers would never return home. Then and there was born his life's mission which was to be a champion for young people, especially the fatherless, kids from broken homes, and those written off by society. He was a foster parent to many children through the decades but his mission took wings in the form of scouting back in the 1960s. He was the Scoutmaster of Troop 67 and member of the Order of the Arrow. The camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities provided through scouting inspired him to create what became his most enduring legacy, Green Springs. Green Springs was formed on his waterfront property as a refuge for the county's children to come and have good clean fun and keep them out of trouble. Many of Craven County's residents have spent large parts of their childhood at Green Spring over the decades.

Known as a devoted son to his parents and loving father by his children, he was known by most as “Mr. George”, creating what many called a “redneck paradise” complete with jumping towers, swings, zip lines all provided free of charge from his own pocket and by kind donations from supporters.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Wetherington, father, John A. Wetherington and loving mother, Liddie Wetherington. He is survived by his four children, Connie Hughes, George Wetherington Jr., Jamie Wetherington, and Renee Hart; grandchildren, Rachel Crossley, Sarah Wetherington, Rebekah Wetherington, Jonathan Hughes, Zadok Hart, Miranda Delahoy, and Nathan Stanley; five great-grandchildren and countless kids who loved “Mr. George” like a father and whom he loved liked sons and daughters.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at Cotten Funeral Home. A Celebration of George's Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at Cotten Funeral Home. Following the service, George will be laid to rest in Greenleaf Memorial Park beside his wife.