George Albert Spain Jr
Virginia Beach - Called home by his Creator on July 4th, 2013. George was born in Richmond Virginia in 1926, the son of George and Florence Spain. George was known affectionately in his birth family as "brother" and served in the United States Army in World War II. He was a Bronze Star Medal recipient for combat during the Battle of the Bulge. While overseas George took the opportunity to visit places such as Paris, Marseille, Metz, Augsburg and the French Alps. He was also a part of the Army of Occupation of Germany after the war ended.
Sometime after returning to the States, George became a cabinet maker eventually excelling in working with wood, marble and granite. He worked with the American Furniture and Fixture Company of Richmond, Virginia for many years. Some of his work remains to this day in small town banks, hotels, and stores throughout Virginia. George loved traveling, visiting new places, eating out, and most of all family. He often showed his love by building things for his wife, children, grandchildren and friends. After his retirement, he and his wife Mary found much to do and enjoy along the boardwalk in Virginia Beach. Eventually they moved from Richmond to the "beach". George was predeceased by his loving wife Mary Rogers Spain, a brother, Welford, a sister, Lovalene and a step-son, Jerry. Holding wonderful memories of his life are two sons Glenn and Mark, one step-son, Jimmy and one step-daughter, Janice. He is also survived by one nephew, Stephen and one niece, Sherie. Many grandchildren, 24 and great grandchildren, 32 also hold very dear memories of a loving, generous man who enjoyed their presence just as much as they enjoyed his. George was also known as "pops" by many who became informally adopted sons and daughters because of his love of people and family. "Pops" looked forward to breakfast at Mary's Restaurant near the beach each Saturday morning and insisted on paying for everyone who sat at his table. George also liked dancing and listening to music at the Farmers Market on Fridays during the summers. George would like to thank his loving daughter-in-law Mary for being his caregiver, friend, and driver during this last year. He is also grateful to Julie, Sherri, Gina, Cece, Linda, Mike and Sef and all those who helped him and became a part of his family these last few years. To the Blackburn family and their children, special thanks for birthday parties, barn fires, and being included - because that's what the family of God is all about! A memorial service will be held at Hilltop Community Church in Virginia Beach on August 11, 2013 at 1pm.