George Alan Peapples

Peapples, George A. age 71 years, dedicated husband, loving father and grandfather, kind and caring friend to many, passed away at home on Wednesday, March 7, 2012, after living courageously with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) for the past two years.

George was born on November 6, 1940 in Benton Harbor, Michigan to Kathleen and Arthur L. Peapples. He was the third of five children. George always spoke fondly of his upbringing and of the community in which he was raised, both of which helped shape the individual he was to become. From early on, it was apparent that George would be a leader. He enjoyed great success in school, both academically and extra-curricularly. As an athlete, he was part of the Benton Harbor High School 1958 basketball team that made it to the state finals, something of which he was very proud. As a citizen and scholar, George served as president of the student council, was named “best all round,” and earned the honor of Valedictorian of his high school class. In what seemed a natural progression, his college years brought him to Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan where he graduated in 1962 with a BA in economics. Graduate school followed, and George earned his MBA in finance from U of M in 1963. On June 27, 1962, George married his childhood sweetheart, Rebecca D. Sowers, and their love for each other carried them along together through nearly 50 years of marriage. They raised two daughters, Lucy and Sarah, and have had the pleasure of sharing good times with four wonderful grandchildren. George’s professional life began and ended with General Motors, and spanned nearly 37 years bringing him challenges, rewards and incredible personal fulfillment. He began working for GM right out of graduate school on assignment in the New York Treasurer’s office. From there he made himself useful to the company at Delco Moraine in Ohio, and then back to Detroit as Assistant Treasurer for Bank Relations. In 1977 George accepted an appointment from the President of the United States to serve as Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Financial Management where he received the Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award. In 1980 General Motors welcomed him back to work at a number of high-level positions within the company, including Director of Strategic Business Planning, President of General Motors of Canada, and Vice President of Public Policy. He retired from General Motors 2000.

In retirement George enjoyed special times on the tennis court with his many friends from Liberty Athletic Club. Thanks to Becky’s interest in music, his business talents were put to use at The Ark where he was “ volunteered” to serve on the board. The most special times however, were reserved for trips back home to the west side of the state where he and Becky had their second home on the shores of Lake Michigan, and where he will find eternal rest. George is survived by his wife Rebecca, his daughters Lucy and Sarah, son-in-law Dan Hill, and grandchildren Kate and Jake Hill, and Zare and Hannah Derounian. His sister Dorothy Peapples also survives. Upon his request, cremation has taken place, and a Memorial Service will take place on August 2, 2012 at 1:00pm in his hometown of Benton Harbor, MI.