He was born on March 17, 1940, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, the son of Harry G. and Ruth (Brannon) Savage. George married Burma Donley on December 14, 1968, in Springfield, Illinois.
George attended Hillsboro High School before proudly serving in the U.S. Army. During his service, he was stationed in Germany for three years, where he served as an expert marksman. Following his military service, George began a career as an operating engineer with Union Local 965. He retired after 35 years, having worked for several companies, including Petersburg Plumbing. Retirement didn’t slow him down, however, as he went on to drive semis across the country for Donley’s Trucking and Truck Centers.
George lived life to the fullest and was a man of many talents. He drove limousines, rode motorcycles, and ran the Chicago Marathon twice. He enjoyed woodworking, repairing antique clocks, and even volunteered his sewing skills to make dog beds for the Animal Protective League. A gifted mechanic and a modern-day “MacGyver,” George had a knack for fixing just about anything. He was also a captivating storyteller with a wicked sense of humor who never met a stranger and could make a friend wherever he went. George was also a faithful member of Blessed Sacrament for nearly 20 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Ruth Savage; his daughter, Allison J. Savage; brother, Terry Savage; and beloved dogs, Eric, Max, Rocco, and Chica.
George is survived by his wife, Burma; daughter, Angela (Darren) Ice of Rochester; granddaughter, Molly (Michael) Wood of Sherman; sister, Margaret Skoda of Springfield; brothers, Bill Savage of Champaign, Ben (Mary) Savage of Raymond; sister-in-law, Judy Savage; great-granddaughter, Reese Wood; special friends that felt more like family, Wynn Heyen and David Hardy; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and dog, Lola.
Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. until the time of the ceremony at 11:30 a.m. at Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. Sixth Street, Springfield, IL, with Fr. Michael Friedel officiating.
Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the Animal Protective League.
The family will be hosting a celebration of life at a later date.
Please visit www.butlerspringfield.com to offer your condolences.
