George K. Jones

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at Westover Church. A private family burial will follow the service.

George was a native of Guilford County and lived in Julian for most of his life. He was a 1956 graduate of Alamance School on Alamance Church Road and attended Lees McRae College in Banner Elk and his beloved University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

George was a gifted man in many ways. His passion for life was fueled by his deep devotion to and his relationship with Christ. He was faithful and passionate in his faith, reflecting his love for Christ in his interactions with his family, friends and those he encountered that had need. George’s service to Westover Church and to Christ spread beyond the church grounds as he was deeply involved in the lives of others, serving as mentor, advisor and friend. In the fashion of the true philanthropist, George served his fellow man anonymously, sensing need and responding in a manner that seemed best to him at the time. He is in receipt of his reward for that service, kindness and generosity at this moment.

George was preceded in death by his hero and role model, his father George Kecler Jones, Sr. and his mother Georgia Shoffner Jones. He is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years Kay Edwards Jones, daughter Ashley Fisher and husband Roger of Julian, son Scott Jones and wife Jennifer of San Francisco, California, grand-children Sam and Ben Fisher of Julian, and Maddi Fisher of Wilmington, and Floyd of San Francisco, sisters Martha Emily Shoffner and husband Howard from Liberty, NC, Peggy Woods and husband Jim of Greensboro, Patsy Keyser and husband Bob of Greensboro and untold numbers of friends, acquaintances and beneficiaries of having known him.

George, in the words of many, was“one of a kind”. He was drawn to and attracted by other “one of a kind” type people who shared his enthusiasm for life and appreciation for all things good and beautiful. He opened his heart to all people and had the gift of forgiveness for those who would disappoint. He loved meeting people and was happiest in the sharing of good times and relationships with friends young and old. He was a mentor, a teacher and himself, a student of life. He was simply, a good man, a very good man.

George was a successful businessman and entrepreneur. Early on, while serving his country in the National Guard, he began his business career with Cone Mills as an internal auditor. He was a pioneer in the recycling industry starting a recycled waste paper company in Greensboro in the early 1960’s. George remained in the paper recycling industry never retiring and active to the end of his life. His companies are in Burlington, High Point and Greensboro but his influences, even in business, are widespread. George was active in real estate development at the mountains and the coast. He loved land and he loved beauty and he did his best to marry the two. His works remain as testimony to his vision; his guidance and teachings will live on in those he mentored as new works will be fostered from his influence.

George loved woodworking and was talented in the task. He loved the outdoors, working with cattle, llamas, swans; he loved his tractors, his old cars, even his mowers. He loved his land and beautifying it. He was a devoted Tarheel, loving especially UNC basketball and baseball. He loved flying, and had an active pilot’s license for much of his life. Flying was a passion for George, playing right into his “living on the edge” personality and his love for open space, freedom and the glorious views of God’s creations. And, he loved people. His infectious personality, love of laughter and sincere concern for others made this good man a magnet, a brilliant star, a beacon for those who follow. We shall miss him greatly.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at Westover Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Search Ministries, Inc. at PO Box 17088, Baltimore, MD 21297-1088.

Online condolences may be sent to www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.