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George Rachels Obituary

George M. Rachels, Jr. Holt Formerly of Lake Orion, Michigan Born February 22, 1924 in Greenwood, Arkansas and passed away June 15, 2013 at the age of 89 after a battle with cancer. George was a dedicated elementary school principal and teacher for more than 50 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucille and George Rachels; his loving wife of 50 years, Phyllis; one brother James Rachels; and sisters, Wanda Freemen, Helen Garner and Louise Rachels; granddaughter Tamara Williams; and great grandson Dalton Riley. Survived his daughters, Midge (Bob) Williams, Diane (Doug) Alexander and Tina (John) Riley; his son Pat Rachels; his grandchildren, Trevor (Kim) Riley, Darcy (Joseph) Grimes, Dana (Marshall) Alexander, Rick (Michelle) Williams, and Cassie Williams; great grandchildren Dylan, Damien, and Reba Riley, and Brent and Hayleigh Williams; one brother Truman (Linda) Rachels; one sister Betty (Ralph) Jones; and special friend, Marge Giesken. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 205 E. Washington, DeWitt, MI with Chaplain George Stehle of Great Lakes Christian Home Retirement Center presiding. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grdewitt.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal on Jun. 17, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for George Rachels

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June 17, 2014

My condolences. Keeping in mind the scriptural hope of everlasting life can help sustain you.
John 17:3

Les & Pam (Garner) Perkins

July 29, 2013

A bouquet of fond memories amassed through the years give rise to many warm thoughts of Uncle George and Aunt Phyllis. Seems a life time ago.

July 10, 2013

Still missing you my friend.

June 20, 2013

What an amazing dear friend. I had known the Rachels for twenty some years and thought the world of both Ms Phyllis and George. He is now with the love of his life. Rest in Peace my friend. Love, Laugh and dance now with Ms. Phyllis. I love you George your the best. To the family of George my condolences to all of you for your great loss of a wonderful,wonderful gentle man. Patty Mitchell

Cheri (Downs) Nelles

June 19, 2013

Diane, Tina, Pat...as you know your dad was much more than just my principal. For many, many years he was my surrogate father. I have so many wonderful memories at your house with George & Phyllis welcoming anyone into their home. So sorry for your loss....
Cheri

June 17, 2013

As a little girl at Blanche Sims Elementary School in Lake Orion, I remember Mr. and Mrs. Rachels being kind, soft spoken and caring. I enjoyed looking at Mr. Rachels' photo gallery. I recognize his "school pictures", as they are on my cherished class composites, tucked away in my memory box. I have retired from Lake Orion Community Schools, and to this day when I walk in the front entrance of Blanche Sims, I smile with so many wonderful memories in my heart. Rest in peace, Mr. Rachels, and thank you for making everything wonderful at Blanche Sims Elementary School! Love and Blessings, Kathy (Hauxwell) McMinn Lake Orion, MI

Jamie & James Rachels

June 17, 2013

Was very sad to hear about George, but we know he was in a lot of pain. He was a very smart, fascinating and friendly guy and my husband, James Rachels, Jr. has LOTS of fond memories of George!! I'm sure his nephew, Bradley, and his brothers and sisters and his parents are all greeting him up in Heaven!!!! We were very sorry that we were never able to make a trip to Michigan to see him and the rest of the family!!! He was always such a delight to be around when he was able to make it down to Tulsa, OK & Arlington, TX for visits!!!

June 17, 2013

I was sad to hear of the passing of George Rachels. He was my principal when I began teaching at Blanche Sims Elementary School in Lake Orion in 1971. I have always had the utmost respect for him as an educator, gentleman, and friend. Out of respect I could never call him "George", but Mr. Rachels was still a close friend. I always enjoyed our occasional meeting at his sister Betty's house, and the yearly notes on Christmas cards. I will miss them greatly. Always the gentleman, he held doors for the ladies, stood when we entered the room, and treated others respectfully. He never revealed how he got the little munchkins who got in trouble to confess, but he seemed to have a knack for that. I was proud for him when they named the Library at Blanche Sims School in his honor. I will always remember his wonderful smile and the genuine way he listened with interest. His passing is our loss and heaven's gain. Diane Farstvedt

Betty Carney

June 17, 2013

My sympathy to George's family. I taught in Lake Orion in 1966-1969, and George was my boss. I remember him fondly and enjoyed working with him.

Cindy Koval

June 17, 2013

What a wonderful gentleman. So lucky to have known him. May you rest in peace with your beloved Ms. Phyllis.

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