Joseph "Joe" Anthony George

Joseph Anthony George, 92, passed away on September 22, 2024, surrounded by family. Joe was born on October 17, 1931, in Manchester, NH to the late Charles and Rachel (Ayoub) George. He served as a medic in the National Guard from 1948-1949 before joining the US Navy in October 1950, in which he served until May 1954. While in the Navy, Joe was part of the Airplane Patrol Squadron, VP-26, during which time he was stationed in both Iceland and Morocco and spent time in Italy. 

 After moving to Wilson, NC in 1976, Joe served in many associations and committees, including Downtown Merchants Association, Transportation Advisory Committee, Human Relations Commission, Planning and Zoning Board, and the Airport Advisory Committee. He was also a long-term member of the Elks Lodge, All-American Kiwanis Club, and American Legion. 

 Joe loved music, especially jazz, and was an avid musician. He could often be heard playing his saxophones, and he also played the Baritone horn in the British Brass Band for years. 

 Joe was well known and loved everywhere he went, and always took time to speak with people. This skill served him well in his long career in sales and advertising, and he endeared himself to people by always ensuring that everyone he spoke with was given his full attention. Joe retired from radio advertising in 2017 as one of the senior sales representatives that took special care with each and every client he interacted with, whether or not they purchased ads from him. 

 Joe was a parishioner at St. Therese Catholic Church in Wilson, NC since March 1976, and was a member of Council 4660 of the Knights of Columbus during that time. 

 Joe is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lillian Rabil George, and sons, Kevin (wife, Jennifer, and their children, Maya, Lucas), Anthony (wife, Rhonda, and their children, Regan, Madeline, and Abigail), both of Wilson, NC, and daughter, Cathi George Haselton (husband, Marc, and their children Michelle, Réné, and Erik) of New Port Richey, FL, and granddaughters, from his pre-deceased daughter, Susan George Alexander (Brittany and Chelsea). Joe had a large family that also included many great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild, as well as multiple nieces and nephews. 

 He was preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Susan George Alexander, and sisters, Genevieve George Cline and Helen George.

 A funeral mass will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, October 4, 2024, at St. Therese Catholic Church, 700 Nash Street N, Wilson. Inurnment with military rites will immediately follow in the church columbarium. Father Fernando Torres will officiate. The family will host a reception in the church hall following inurnment.

 The family will receive friends Thursday evening, October 3, 2024, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson.

 In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Joseph George’s memory to St. Therese Catholic Church, 700 Nash St NE, Wilson, NC 27893-3047.

 Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.