Albert George

ALBERT GEORGE died Oct. 23, 2010 after spending over 90 years as a person of integrity and deep faith. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Bonnie; brother, Bill George of Aurora, Colo.; daughters, Connie Nelson and Annell George-McLawhorn (Ed); step-daughters, Deborah White (Gary), Donna Cook (Robert) and Denise Rhodes; daughters-in-law, Glenda, Tina and Janis, 11 grandchildren (Chris, Carly, Lisa, Josh, Jessica, Emily, Avery, Miranda, Jamie, Jared and Madison) four great-grandchildren, plus other extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Cull and Katherine George, first wife, Dorothy, sons, Donald and Danny, siblings, Leo, Lillie, Pauline, and Esther. Albert was born in the Roland area of northwest Pulaski County on May 11, 1920, the third of six children. Tuesday's child is full of grace, and no truer words were ever spoken about Albert George. He was calm, steadfast, kind, compassionate, wise and honest with everyone he encountered…trusting until given a reason not to…and most of all, hard-working. Hindered by dyslexia, Albert left school after the sixth grade and joined the labor force. He worked at various jobs, including sawmill laborer and probably his most favorite, a stint with the Civilian Conversation Corps. He loved to recount stories about his "time in the C's" and only the need to help support the family after his father's death prevented him from extending his time and using the CCC as a springboard to a career in the Forestry Service. He started in the furniture manufacturing business at the age of 18 at the now-defunct Little Rock Manufacturing Co., where he learned his upholstering skills. In the early 1960's, Albert noticed the changing trends in church furnishings, and in 1968, armed with a bank loan and subcontracts, he launched Albert George Manufacturing Co., employed as many as 19 workers, providing pew cushions, kneeler pads, and draperies to churches across the country. His success led to a cover profile feature in Arkansas Business in June 1988. Somewhat self-conscious about his lack of education, he was awarded a University of Hard Knocks Bachelor's Degree by Alderson-Broaddus College that acknowledges achievers who have made their mark in life without a college education. Despite the obstacles and sometimes tragic challenges life presented, Albert never let bitterness invade his personal triumphs. Albert was a long–time member of St. Theresa's Catholic Church, and prayer was his mainstay in his life. He prayed for God's guidance about everything…big or small, and accredited God for his success. He often combined business deliveries with pleasure trips. He was most fond of the trips to Alaska, Montana, Yellowstone Park, and the East Coast. When in failing health, he kept close to home, whiling away the hours in his shop, playing in the family's Friday night Wii bowling tournaments, and sneaking treats to Daisy dog at the supper table. We are deeply saddened by his passing, but we rejoice that he is no longer shackled to this earth in a body that had outlived its usefulness. Services honoring Albert's life will be held, Tuesday, Oct. 26 at 11:30 at St. Theresa's Catholic Church, 6219 Baseline Rd., Little Rock, Ark., 72209. Visitation will be on Monday, Oct. 25 from 6–8 p.m. in the chapel of Little Rock Funeral Home. Burial will be in Forest Hills Memorial Park, in Alexander, Ark. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice, 14 Parkstone Circle, N. Little Rock, Ark., 72114 or to St. Theresa's Catholic Church. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., Little Rock, (501)224-2200. Mr. George's online guest book may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.