George Lee Hampton II

1929 - 2010

George Lee Hampton II, 80, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Aug. 22, 2010, at the Logan Nursing & Rehabilitation Center of complications associated with Parkinson's disease.
He was born Oct. 6, 1929, to George Lee and Elsie Class Hampton in Falls City, Neb. On Nov. 24, 1951, he married Lucile Floyd Craft. In the early 1960s the Hamptons joined the LDS Church and were sealed in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple on Aug. 17, 1966. George was preceded in death by his father George Lee Hampton; his mother, Elsie Kuhlman; his stepfather Ed Kuhlman; and a grandson, Joseph Carman.
George was raised in Nebraska and Kansas until the family moved to Chicago in 1941. During his years at Waller High School he was involved in acting, where he performed in industrial education films and on local radio drama programs. Upon graduating, he joined the Army for one year and then served in the Army Reserves, where he participated in activities for 12 years and was honorably discharged in 1959. During this time he attended a liberal arts college in Chicago (two years) and the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kan. (two years). His experiences in the film industry led him to a lifelong hobby and career in photography. He was first hired as a photographer by an insurance company and then by Stole Studios of Chicago. He soon became a successful advertising photographer at Stole and SBD in Chicago and was later hired in 1967 by Brigham Young University as an assistant manager (for two years) and then manager of the BYU Photo Studio, where he photographed thousands of students and their families as well as many BYU events in the U.S. and Europe. He retired in 1985, and in 2004 George and Lucile moved from Springville to Smithfield, Utah, to be closer to family.
George had a great love for nature and a great compassion for animals, both wild and domestic. His pets included a Doberman pinscher, two English bull dogs, a Chinese Shar-Pei and two cats. He loved plants, built and enjoyed his own greenhouses, and was an active orchid enthusiast. Perhaps George's greatest asset was his ability to make people laugh. His great sense of humor will be missed by family and friends.
George served in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in many callings. Some of his favorites included explorer leader, ward clerk, home teacher and high priest group leader. He loved singing in the ward choir and was a member of a barbershop quartet.
He participated in many outdoor activities: flying glider planes in Heber, cave exploring, river rafting and exploring the deserts of Southern Utah.
George is survived by his wife, Lucile Hampton; three children, George Lee Hampton III (Lydia), Cynthia Carman (John) and Diane Hampton (William Madsen); 14 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Friends may visit the family at a viewing between 6 and 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, at Nelson Funeral Home, 162 E. 400 North, Logan, Utah, and between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 27, at the Smithfield 5th Ward LDS chapel, 625 E. 600 South, Smithfield, Utah. The funeral will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be in the Smithfield Cemetery following the funeral service.
Our deepest appreciation is extended to the staff of Access Hospice and the staff of the Logan Nursing & Rehabilitation Center for their compassionate and professional care. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.nelson funeralhome.com.