George A. Zellner, Jr., a well-known Jacksonville civic leader and lifelong resident, passed away peacefully at home on July 10th, at the age of 92. A fourth-generation Floridian, George graduated from Landon High School, then served as a fighter pilot attached to the Western Training Command. After World War II, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at the University of Florida, having been an active member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and the UF Golf Team. Post-graduate study in the insurance field followed in Philadelphia and Boston, before George joined his father in the family firm. George would later take the helm of George A. Zellner Insurance, founded in 1921, helping guide it to its prominence as the tenth largest insurance agency in northeast Florida. He was active in many business and civic organizations, being a founding member of the San Jose Yacht Club and the Rotary Club of Jacksonville. He served on the board of directors of the Jay Cees, receiving the Man of the Month recognition for his leadership in developing the Riverfront Friendship Park. Civic club memberships included the Chamber of Commerce, Committee of 100, the Jacksonville Quarterback Club and a stint as director of the Sales and Marketing Association.
George honed his golf skills at several local country clubs, being a fifty year member of San Jose Country Club, serving on the greens committee; was a charter member of the University Club, the River Club, and a long term member of Deerwood Country Club, Epping Forest and the Ponte Vedra Surf Club. He proudly garnered several holes-in-one and many tournament trophies. George’s love of golf was shared by Bee, his devoted wife of 49 years, who preceded him in death in 2012. As members of the Aircraft Owner’s and Pilot’s Association, they often took to the air. They were both skilled pilots and marksmen, enjoyed gardening, travel and an active social life, which often centered around George’s insurance affiliations and the University of Florida. He was a lifetime member of the Gator Club of Jacksonville, a member of the Gator Bowl Association, the Quarterback Club and the YMCA. George was a long term member of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents, as well as the National Association of Insurance Agents. During his tenure as president of the Independent Insurance Association of Jacksonville, he was recognized as the Insurance Man of the Year for his many achievements in the industry. He served on the Business Advisory Council of North Florida and Board of Directors of St. Luke's. George was a deacon and past chairman of the Board of Trustees of the South Jacksonville Presbyterian Church and in recent years was a member of the Riverside Presbyterian Church.
George is survived by his daughter, Corinne E. Zellner; and niece, Zilla Webb Hillin; as well as a wide circle of beloved family and friends who will miss his presence keenly.
A celebration of his life will be held at the Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home on San Jose Boulevard in Jacksonville, Florida at 11:00am on Saturday, July 22nd, 2017, with viewing there the previous evening from 5-7:00pm. Interment at nearby Oaklawn Cemetery, with military honors, will follow the memorial service. Memorials in his name may be directed to the charitable organization of your choice, as George supported a broad array of foundations, based on his love of history, sports, education, the arts, science, and much more. Please share your memories of George at Legacy.com or the Hardage-Giddens website.
Please Sign the guestbook at www.hardage-giddensoaklawnchapel.com
HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd is serving the family.
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