George Vernon Laughrun

George was born on August 29, 1928 in Erwin, Tennessee to I.B. Laughrun and Janie Kate Anders Laughrun.

George graduated from Unicoi High School and played varsity baseball and football. He then joined the United States Navy, voluntarily enlisting and seeing active duty during the Korean War.

Following his Honorable Discharge from the United States Navy, George went to work for Clinchfield Railroad as a fireman. He then commuted from Erwin, Tennessee to Johnson City, Tennessee to obtain a Bachelor of Science Degree from East Tennessee State University in 1960.

In 1963, he moved his family to Charlotte, North Carolina where he took a job with Burroughs Welcome Pharmaceutical Company. He worked for them several years and then was employed by Purdue Frederick Pharmaceutical Company in 1973.

George decided to go back to school and obtain a Masters of Education Degree from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte in 1976. Following his masters completion, he began employment with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education as a guidance counselor, working at J.T. Williams Middle School and then at Independence Senior High School, where he retired in 1991.

George was a member of Keystone Masonic Lodge and was 32nd Degree Mason.

He was a member of Chantilly Baptist Church, then Hickory Grove Baptist and finally, Carmel Baptist Church.

George is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Carolyn B. Laughrun; his son, George V. Laughrun, II and wife Robbin; two grandchildren, Lydia Bree Laughrun and George V. Laughrun, III (Trey); and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Smalling and his brother, I.B. Laughrun, Jr.

The family would like to thank the entire staff of Carrington Nursing Home in Matthews, who truly became part of our extended family during George’s 2 ½ years in their care. The family would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. George L. Raad and his entire staff, who truly exemplifies the medical profession in their outstanding commitment to patient care, and of care to the extended family.

The funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 21, 2013 in the Chapel of Harry and Bryant, 500 Providence Road, Charlotte. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends on Sunday evening from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Harry and Bryant.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request donations to the Alzheimer’s North Carolina, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215, or Mission Fund, c/o Carmel Baptist Church, 1145 Pineville-Matthews Road, Matthews, NC 28105.