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Joyce Funeral Home

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Waltham, Massachusetts

Rev. George Waggoner Obituary

Published by Joyce Funeral Home on Oct. 9, 2019.

Surrounded by his loving family, the Reverend George Jamison Waggoner died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, October 9, 2019. He was 88. Born on July 17, 1931 in Jacksonville, Florida he was a son of the late George and Stella (Milan) Waggoner. He lived most of his life in Waltham, Massachusetts. He was the beloved husband of Dorothy O'Neill Waggoner. George's fondest memory of Dorothy was 'when she brought forth our three children.' He was the brother of the late Dr. James Waggoner, married to Margaret Waggoner, and the late Stella (Bunny) Waggoner Hunter, married to Reverend Robert Hunter. George was the devoted father of Kim Patrice Washisko, married to David Washisko, Scott Jamison Waggoner and Darren George Waggoner, married to Crissy Lynn Waggoner. He is the grandfather of Darren and Crissy's nine-year-old son, Jamison Waggoner. Jamison, who called him "Opah," was George's "pride and joy," and George spent many hours sharing stories about Jamison's triumphs playing Little League Baseball. In addition to his immediate family, George leaves a large extended family including in-laws, Margaret Waggoner, Robert Hunter, Peggy O'Neill and Julie O'Neill and many dear friends. George graduated from Julia Landon High School in Jacksonville, Florida. He received his undergraduate degree from Temple College in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and his graduate level Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree after completing studies at Northern Baptist Seminary in Chicago, Illinois and Andover Newton Theological School in Newton, Massachusetts. George worked for several different companies over the years, primarily in the field of marketing. These included Newton-Waltham Bank, where he met Dorothy, Data General Corporation and Hanscom Federal Credit Union. To celebrate his retirement from Hanscom, they held a large banquet in his honor, a rare occurrence in the modern world. George also served as the pastor at the Lincoln Park Baptist Church in West Newton, Massachusetts for over forty years. He recently said that his "legacy" was his work over the past decade mentoring a small group of Chinese men and women as they grew their small church into a large and thriving congregation at Lincoln Park Baptist Church. George was a gifted public speaker, having delivered thousands of sermons and other speeches in his lifetime. He never used notes, and had a knack for speaking clearly, concisely and compellingly. George enjoyed writing, and was the author of many articles and stories, including a published children's book entitled "A Child's Book of Christmas: A Read-Aloud Book in English and Chinese for Children of All Ages." George also loved to sing. In his younger days, he was a member of a Barbershop Quartet. More recently, he was a member of Boston Saengerfest Men's Chorus, performing both locally, including concerts at New York's Carnegie Hall and at Boston's Symphony Hall, as well as internationally, including concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall. His love of the arts extended to classical music, literature and poetry. When he wasn't singing (or whistling!), we could find him listening to music, Debussy was his favorite, reading a book, or having deep and meaningful discussions on a wide range of subjects with his family and friends. He also enjoyed cooking, photography and skiing. He looked forward to his daily crossword puzzle and sudoku, and was unbeatable at trivia. George was also an ardent fan of both the Red Sox and the Patriots, even during the many years when they never made the play-offs. He was particularly fond of Thanksgiving, likely because it included some of his favorite things – football, food and of course family. George was an avid traveler. His favorite destinations included Hawaii, Spain and, more recently, Ireland. He always enjoyed trying out the local cuisine. His most treasured trips, however, were to Jekyll Island, Georgia, where he and his immediate and extended family vacationed many times over the years. He was particularly fond of the time he and his brother, Jim, spent together while on the island. The only thing on George's "bucket list" that he did not achieve was "Cooperstown with Jamison." But Jamison will go someday soon, and he will bring Opah with him in his heart. George is now with his Father in Heaven. He will be missed by many. Family and friends will honor and remember George's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Tuesday, October 15th from 5 to 8 p.m. His funeral service will be celebrated on Wednesday in The Lincoln Park Baptist Church, 1450 Washington Street, West Newton at 10 a.m. The Rev. Michael Harvey will officiate. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham. Memorials in his name may be made to The Lincoln Park Baptist Church, 1450 Washington Street, West Newton, MA 02465.

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Not sure what to say?

November 8, 2019

Coworker

Mary Miller

Dear friends,

I want to share my sympathy in George's death, and my appreciation for his life and ministry. He was a wonderful and creative pastor who leaves a significant legacy of love and service in our American Baptist family. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Serving Christ,

Mary Miller
Executive Minister, American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts

October 19, 2019

Rita Smolinsky

Dear Dottie and family:

Natalie told us about George passing. Please accept my sincere condolences.

Rita (from painting class)

October 15, 2019

Acquaintance

Pennye Williams

It saddens me to hear the news of Rev. Waggoner's passing. As a 25+ year member of Myrtle Baptist Church in West Newton, I have very fond memories of the history and relationship Myrtle and Lincoln Park share. With Lincoln Park being Myrtle's "Mother's Church", I experienced the annual joint services for Holy Week and Thanksgiving Eve the two churches held for years. How ironic that Rev. George Waggoner and Rev. Howard Haywood transitioned the same year, just 8 short month apart. Rev. Waggoner preached revival services at Myrtle one year and marveled at the opportunity he was given to do so. May the God of comfort and peace be with his family, congregation and friends at this difficult time.

October 15, 2019

Friend

charles mccullough

truly a gentle man who saw only the positive side of every person or situation he encountered. I was blessed to share time with George this past April at a gathering - happy and upbeat just as he was the last time we were in each others company 35 years ago. chuck mccullough

October 14, 2019

Coworker

Wayne Gebhardt

I'm sorry to see of George' passing. I worked with him at Baystate Computer Center in the late 1960s through 1972. He also officiated the wedding of my wife, Linda, and I in 1972. I saw him occasionally at Boston Baptist Social Union functions. He was a good man except when he played for the BCC Bombers, he couldn't hit the ball! I'll keep him and your family in my prayers.

October 13, 2019

Coworker

Rev. Sandra Dorsainvil

My deep sympathies to the Waggoner family. I am grateful for the years we were in ministry together in MA. I will miss George's gentle presence. May he rest in peace with our Lord.

October 13, 2019

Family Friend

Phyllis Cain

Dotty, I'm so sorry to hear about George passing he will be greatly missed Phyllis and Florence55

October 13, 2019

Yanzhi Wang

My deepest condolences to Rev. Waggoner's family!His smile will be in my memory for ever.George is our dearest pastor in LPBC. I like his preaching because he preached not only with words but with his own life! his legacy will live on forever in our hearts! He enriched us as he was with us. We all love him and miss him.......

October 12, 2019

Ellie Lyman

To Dorothy and family ~

We had looked forward to having Rev. Waggoner preach at Beth Eden this past September, but it was not to be. We are keeping you and the family in our prayers.

Kevin and Ellie Lyman

October 12, 2019

Coworker

Yaliang Zhao

I will surely see you again, Pastor George Waggoner, my mentor at Lincoln Park Baptist Church, one of the most gentle-spirited saint I have met.
Thank you very much for supporting my ministry and my Ordination. Thank you for cheering me onward after I accept the pastoral position at The First Baptist Church in Woburn.
I don't think that there is much I can teach you any more, George said during our farewell dinner, but do feel free to call if you ever want to heart my perspectives.
See you up there someday and we can chat a lot more!

October 11, 2019

Friend

yun shen

Even though we've been told Pastor George's illness for a while, and recently knew he was dismissed by hospital, still I have been hoping that some miracle could happen here and God would extend his life for a couple more years, for really I feel that we need his presence. But sadly, God decided it is time for him to leave behind everything on earth and go up to heaven to be with Him. I have no doubt it is much better for Pastor himself, but indeed leaves a hard problem to solve for us - Now that who could fill the emty seat he has held for such a long time - no one really have thought about such day would come, especially come so soon. Dear Pastor Geeoge, I wish I had treasured your presence more while i had opportunity. May God receive your spirit and rest you in His peace, and may comforts and strength come from above cover your family, especially Dorothy. May God's love sustain her and all the beloved ones of yours.

October 11, 2019

Family

Lorraine Hughes

Our deepest sympathy and love to you Dear cousin and family.
George had a gleam that most people only carry a glimpse of. He will be deeply missed.
Tight hugs and Love.
Dick, Lorraine, and Family

October 10, 2019

Friend

Matthew Gold

I will miss George not only as a Saengerfest singing brother but for the fact of his smile somehow always creating a palpable good feeling, even as he passed by. He enriched us as he was with us.

October 10, 2019

Sophie Song Du

His service as a Pastor to the Chinese community in the past 12 years will always be remembered.
Deepest condolences to Pastor George's family.
Sophie

October 10, 2019

Friend

Shuxia Zhao

My deepest condolences to Rev. Waggoner's family! His leaving is also such a huge loss for the LPBC family! But his legacy will live on forever in our hearts! He preached not only with words but with his own life! He let people see what a true Christian is like.

October 10, 2019

Sister

Mindy Duan Zhao

Your smile will be in my memory for ever. You lived your life with the joy and peace in Christ. We'll miss you!

October 10, 2019

Acquaintance

Carolyn Dunwell

He was such a presence no matter where he was. Such a fine man. God bless all his loved ones left behind with so many wonderful memories. George, rest in peace with your heavenly father.

October 10, 2019

Acquaintance

Carolyn Dunwell

He was such a presence no matter where he was. Such a fine man. God bless all his loved ones left behind with si many winderful memiries. Geirge, rest in peace with your heavenly father.

October 10, 2019

Friend

Xiaoyan Zhao

We all love you.....

October 10, 2019

Friend

Ying Huo

Dearest George is our dearest pastor and it is our blessings to have him in our church and our lives.

October 10, 2019

Acquaintance

Martha Hodgens

My deepest sympathy to Dotty and family. George will always be there with you all. Remember all the good times and you will smile again.

October 10, 2019

Coworker

Lila Feingold

May his memory be a blessing.

October 10, 2019

Coworker

Karin Price

Kim,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I never had the pleasure of meeting your dad-he seemed like such a wonderful man-I am sure you have many fond memories that you can hold close to your heart.

October 10, 2019

Family

Albert Washicko

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Kim's father. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We hope that the sorrow you now feel in your hearts will soon be replaced with fond memories of your dad with the passing of time.

Al, Sara and Matthew Washicko

October 9, 2019

Friend

Stefanie Ozga

My deepest sympathies to Mr Waggoner's family and friends. I had the privilege of knowing George through Crissy and Darren, and he was such a lovely person.

October 9, 2019

Neighbor

Michael Lally

My deepest sympathies to the Waggoner Family.

October 9, 2019

Friend

Michele Mogan

Darren and family. Im so very very sorry for you all. In the brief time we met he was always so kind and always a smile.He was an amazing man and my heart goes out to you all. God bless you George. May you rest in peace..

October 9, 2019

Family Friend

Linda Needham

Darren and Crissy I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know your family is in my prayers.

Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results

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Memorial Events
for Rev. George Waggoner

Oct

15

Calling hours

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Joyce Funeral Home

245 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02453

Oct

16

Funeral service

10:00 a.m.

Lincoln Park Baptist Church

1450 Washington Street, West Newton, MA

Funeral services provided by:

Joyce Funeral Home

245 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02453

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