George Starke Obituary

Family-Placed Death Notice

STARKE, George REV. GEORGE L. STARKE The Rev. George L. Starke was born July 15, 1929 and died on October 28, 2008. He was the Minister of Pastoral Care and Music for Lake Arrowhead Chapel in his final assignment. For thirteen years before moving to Lake Arrowhead, George and Jane served the Locust Grove Baptist Church in Smyrna. He was graduated from the University of Tennessee and then received a Master of Divinity degree from the Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He sang beautifully and worked with some of the best known evangelists in the Baptist world as well as being a featured soloist for three Billy Graham crusades and directing the music for three Southern Baptist Conventions. George sang with the Robert Shaw Chorale for 23 years! He and Jane sang with Frank Boggs in the Cobb Festival Chorus and travelled to Europe and Scotland to perform. Most recently they have been a part of the Cherokee Community Chorale and George led the CORE (Chorale on the Road, a small performing group), which represents the larger Chorale in churches, clubs and other civic occasions. He is survived by his loving wife, Jane: three sons, George, Jr., Ricky, and Johnny. He has given his body to Emory University Hospital and his memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of Jasper, 198 E Church St, Jasper, GA on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 2:00 PM with the Rev. Jerry Johnson, Dr. James E. Kilgore, and the Rev. Jimmy Lewis officiating. In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Starke has requested gifts in memory of George to the International Family Foundation, Inc, P O Box 164, Waleska, GA 30183. For more information, call 770-479-3669.

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Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Nov. 2, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for George Starke

9 Entries

Cindi White

November 15, 2008

Jane,

Our deepest sympathies are with you. May God hold you close and comfort you as only He can at this time. George was a very talented and gifted servant of the Lord. You both were blessed to have each other and we are blessed to have you, too. Countless people and lives were changed by yours and George's ministry.

Thank you both for using your gifts to point others to Jesus. We miss you and love you. You are in our prayers.

The Whites~Wayne, Cindi, Phillip, Jeffrey and Patrick

Ardeth Arnold

November 13, 2008

Mrs. Starke:
You never met me, but I was George's pianist at the First Baptist Church of Tallahassee, Florida and was also his accompanist at the Ridgecrest Baptist Assembly near Black Mountain, Nortain Carolina. He and Oeida Botorff together wrote, "Change Our World" when we were involved in a very serious crisis in our Takkahassee church in the early 60's. I also remember his singing "The Prayer of St. Francis" from the balcony of the Spielman Auditorium in an evening servoce at Ridgecrest. Quite a few years ago I located him, and we had a wonderful visit together over the phone. When he discovered that I was the pianist for the staff of Ridgecrest in the summer of 1962, he requested that I accompany all of his services for entire week. What a joy it was to serve our Jesus together. Please continue to look up for your Lord's return. He's coming to get us soon.
This is my fifth good friend who has gone to be with the Lord in the past week. I taught math in the public schools of Florida for 43 years but had to retire two years earlier than I had planned because I was losing my sight and my hearing;however I can still play any song in any key though I can no longer see the piano keyboard. This is a talent the Lord gave me when I was seven years old. I am still looking forward to playing the piano for George when we all get to heaven. I remember Betty, but I understand that they seperated many, many years ago. According to his obituary I see that you were a wonderful gift to him from the Lord. I taught his son George in Tallahassee, and I remember Ricky. Is he still all right after these many years? Is he living with you or his mother? Absolutely all of my family are now gone, and it does get loney after being by yourself day after day without a way to get out and around anymore, It is extremely difficult to see what I am typing, so please excuse my horible mistakes. When things slow down, would you please call me?
Home Phone: 727-585-7130
Cell Phone: 727-667-4218

I am very thankfulk that Lord gave you and Goerge many wonderful years together, and just think you'll be able to spend all eternity with him. singing together praises to your Lord.

Ardeth Arnold (Ardie), your sister in the Lord

Elizabeth Ross

November 8, 2008

Dear Jane: You have my deepest sympathy. I know what you are going through and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Elizabeth Ross

Doug & Jana Bedgood

November 4, 2008

Dear Jane,

We wish we could be there with you! We were greatly saddened to hear the news, but rejoice that George is doing what he enjoyed best, now unhindered: singing to God! We treasure our time we had with you at Locust Grove and hold those as special memories. As a family we are praying for you, and ask God to let His presence be felt deeply by you at this time.

Love,
The Bedgoods: Doug, Jana, Samuel & Lindsey

Paula Jasina

November 3, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Janet Shedrick

November 3, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

The Cardiology of Georgia Staff

Charles Ingram

November 3, 2008

Dear Jane,
I have wonderful memories of working with you and George when you were at Scott Boulevard Baptist Church, where I served as organist. George was a truly exceptional musician: he was a superb choir director, and he had a wonderful voice as well. Also, in my mind I can still see George on the stage of Symphony Hall as he sang with Robert Shaw as a part of the ASO Chorus. He truly loved sharing his talents with others in the making of beautiful music! However, my memories of George actually go all the way back to 1969, when he was the minister of music at the First Baptist Church of Decatur. Although I was not a member there, George allowed me to practice on their magnificent pipe organ; he even gave me a key to the organ and a key to the church! My own church at the time made it very difficult for me to practice on its electronic organ. I have never forgotten George's generosity to me.
Finally, having lost my wife two years ago, I can certainly tell you, Jane, that George will remain with you in spirit always, and I am sure that the Holy Spirit will be with you as well!
Sincerely,
Charles Ingram

stephen Skinner

November 2, 2008

we will miss george alot he was a great person to get know and love and sing with you could learn alot from george from teaching, listing and just what he had on his heart each time you were with him we love you verry much jane and i pray and hope you can get thru this . Live Like Jesus let him guide you listen to him and pray daily. read your bible and he will give you strength to make another day . One Day At A time !!!!!

jennifer & Peggy hulsey

November 2, 2008

Jane & family,
I heard about George Wednesday night at church; it just broke my heart. I always LOVED You and George so much!! Mom and I want to express our deepest sympathy and love.

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