George Hastings passed away on January 15th at the age of 93, and now lives in the dwelling place that Jesus prepared for him. He was born in San Antonio on September 21, 1926, to Samuel and Ella Enck Hastings. He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years Ruby Frances Wiedenfeld Hastings, his parents, 3 sisters: Helen Campbell, Nellie Schmidt, and Virginia Hastings; and 7 brothers: Louis Hastings, Ollie Hastings, Norman Hastings, Sam Hastings Jr., Gilbert Hastings, Claude “Hoat” Hastings and Bill Hastings; and his sons Craig Hastings and Brian Hastings and grandson Adam Hastings.
He is survived by his children Allan Hastings (Valerie), Keith Hastings (JoAnn), Carol Hastings Whitaker, and Roger Hastings (Lisa). He is also survived by grandchildren Donald Waddle (Niki), Ann Waddle Saylor (Ron), Eva Whitaker Raney (KC), Teresa Whitaker Angier (Gregg), David Whitaker (Katie), Aubrey Hastings, Sydney Hastings, Shayne Hastings and Reagan Hastings and great grandchildren Kendall, Ben, Katie, Eddie, Carrie, Lizzie, Gwen, Bradley, Brooke, Carter, Caleb, Ellie, Benny, and Charlie, and nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends too numerous to count.
The youngest child in his family, he spent his early years running around the streets off Woodlawn Avenue, throwing papers for the San Antonio Express or helping his father in the house painting business. After getting permission from his father and teachers, he left Jefferson High School during his senior year in 1943 to enlist in the US Navy and spent 2 ½ years serving his country in the Pacific during WWII and was honorably discharged in April of 1946. Upon returning to San Antonio, he was awarded his high school diploma.
He married the love of his life, Ruby Frances on January 18, 1947 and remained devoted to her until the end. Together they created a life centered on family and faith. Their home was the source of much love, laughter, and many good memories. Friends and family alike remember holidays and special occasions hosted by George and Frances as their home became a regular gathering place for 59 years.
George began his career with Southwestern Bell Telephone in late 1947. While employed full time for the phone company, his strong work ethic and desire to provide for his growing family led him to work simultaneously as a salesman for Wearever cookware and Rich Plan foods. His smooth delivery and good looks no doubt contributed to his success as a salesman. At the phone company he working his way up from an installation and repair technician to supervisor of both and finished up his career as an outside plant engineer. He dutifully served for 38 ½ years and was able to retire in April 1986.
George loved to travel, especially for annual reunions with his fellow Navy Armed Guard veterans. Over many years, he and Frances drove through every one of the 48 contiguous states, stopping along the way to take in the sights in places like Carlsbad Caverns, Yosemite National Park, the Grand Canyon, the Painted Desert, Mackinac Island, Mount Vernon, and Monticello, just for starters.
He was equally happy at home, where he and Frances were longtime members of Northeast Baptist Church. There, he sang in the choir and participated actively as deacon and on various church committees. George was an avid golfer and after retirement he was a charter member of the “Geezers”, formed in the 1990’s by fellow employees and friends from his days with Southwestern Bell/ATT. An annual trophy for their club bore his name and was given to the golfers who won championships during the year.
George will always be remembered as a strong man of God and leaves behind family and friends who all should aspire to be as faithful and giving as he was. A constant prayer warrior, we can all know that each one of us found our names brought before God in times of need or times of joy. His greatest prayer would be for us all to know her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as he knew him. He rests now and hopes to see us all again one day in Heaven.
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