George Harley Sawyer

George Harley Sawyer peacefully passed away at home on December 28, 2005 after a short illness. He was born in 1933 in Neches, Texas to Aaron Merrill and Gladys Mitchell Sawyer. He graduated from Leverett’s Chapel High School, received an Associates Degree from Kilgore Junior College and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Texas in 1956. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 52 years, Shirley; sister, Merrilyn Morse; daughter, Pam Sawyer; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Kit Sawyer; and son and daughter-in-law, David and Lydia Sawyer and grandchildren Lindsay, Merrill, Anthony and Dylan. George retired from Exxon International in 1993, where he was manager of Technology and Production Operations. His 40-year career was split 50-50 between US and international business. During the 1960s, he worked with the Society of Petroleum Engineers (“SPE”) staff in planning and implementing the Offshore Technology Conference which was held in May of 1969. He was president of SPE in 1989 and served on and chaired numerous committees at the society and regional levels. He has chaired the International E&P Forum based in London and served on numerous API committees. He served as a member of the AIME Board of Trustees from 1988-1990 and again in 1996-97.George also served as AIME President in 2002. He remained active in SPE and in assisting several universities with MBA and engineering programs. The years after his retirement were spent in service to both the community and church. He served as Mayor of the Hills and President of the Property Owners’ Association of the Hills. George also devoted his time to The Lakeway Chuch where he twice served as President of the Board of Trustees. The family would like to thank their extended family and wonderful friends for their enduring love and support. We also would like to thank Hospice Austin for their compassionate assistance. A special thanks also goes to Carolyn Sterns for her loving and tender care of George. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 31, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at Lakeway Church, 2203 Lakeway Drive, Lakeway, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Lakeway Church or the charity of your choice.