Joe Ramey George, 93, of Villa Ridge, Illinois formerly of Olmsted passed away at 12:10 A.M. Thursday, April 3, 2025 at his daughters home surrounded by his loving family.
Joe was the son of Curtis W. and Dessye G. George of Belknap, Illinois. He was born February 13, 1932 in Belknap. Joe married Barbara Jean Racey on February 10, 1952. They were married 49 years.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Curt and Dessye of Belknap, wife, Barbara J. George, infant sister Willena, two brothers, Curtis Calvin of Vienna and Wm Preston of Belknap, sister-in-law, Ruth George of Vienna, grandson, James Bradley Rushing and granddaughter, Samantha Leah Rushing Moore; sister-in-law, Wanda Zimmer.
He is survived by his three cherished daughters, Cheryl (Gary) Stephens, Carol (Stanley) Thurston and Cindy (Bill) Spaulding; four grandchildren, Dustin and Blake Thurston, Hilary Crain and Curt Spaulding; eleven great-grandchildren, Cameron, Kobe, Madison Rushing, Caden, Kali and Caleb Crain, Emma and Nolan Thurston, Avery, Nora and Lucas Thurston; one great-great-grandchild, Bradley Rushing; sister-in-laws, Virginia George, Ruth (Jerry) Wicker, Ann (Don) Vogel; brother-in-laws, Pete Zimmer and James (Marion) Racey; special friend, Mary Pitt; a host of nieces and nephews.
Joe was a graduate of Vienna High School. He attended SIU until he was activated to the National Guard/Army for two years. Joe also worked on the family farm, for Hale Implement, the Illinois State Police for twenty five years, security for Shawnee College, owned and operated the service station in Olmsted and was a rural mail carrier in the Cairo area.
Joe was very active in his community. He was the Charter President of the Olmsted Lions Club. He served on the village board, was fire chief of the Olmsted Fire Department, coached Khoury League Baseball and Softball. Joe helped build the Olmsted boat dock with friend JD Osborne. He and mayor, Jim Burd built the tennis court for the village. Joe also served on the Meridian School Board. He was a member of the Olmsted United Methodist Church. He was a very active in most governing boards of the Church. Joe accepted the Lord in 1982. He was known as “PA” by countless children and now adults by offering their swimming pool for swimming lessons. Later in life, he was known for his love of making his famous hot rolls for Church potlucks and other occasions.
Funeral services honoring the life of Mr. Joe Ramey George will be held at 10 A.M. Monday, April 7, 2025 at the Ullin Baptist Church. Rev. Clint Nale will be officiating. Interment will follow at the Cypress Cemetery in Cypress, Illinois. Full military honors will be accorded by the United States Army National Guard burial detail team and area veterans. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 5 till 8 P.M. at the Church. There will be additional visitation Monday morning from 9 A.M. till the service hour. There will be a Law Enforcement Walk Through at 5:30 P.M. Sunday evening.
Pallbearers will be, Curt Spaulding, Blake Thurston, Dustin Thurston, Kobe Rushing, Cameron Rushing and Caden Crain.
Honorary pallbearers will be Caleb Crain, Nolan Thurston, Lucas Thurston and Bradley Rushing.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Operation Smiles (Cleft Lip and Palate) and can be mailed to Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 758588, Topeka, KS 66675.
To leave an on-line message for the family or to share a memory, you can also visit our website at www.wilsonfuneralhome1928.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak.