Name: Visitation for George W. Vallillee
Start: 2020-10-14T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2020-10-14T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services

George W. Vallillee

George William Vallillee Sr., 93, died on October 7, 2020, in Okemos, Michigan. George was born on January 6, 1927, to George and Margaret (Tait) Vallillee in Washington, DC. He is survived by his wife Beverly, daughters Gail (Phil) Deschaine of Okemos and Jane (Mike) Scott of Midland, and his son George William Vallillee Jr. of Milwaukee, WI. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Brandon, Justin and Kevin Scott; Amanda and Jenelle Vallillee; and his step-grandchildren: Marianne and Phil Deschaine, and Elizabeth (Josh) Rychlinski. George spent his life in Battle Creek and graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1945. He was a lifelong member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church where he met "the love of his life," Beverly Bailey. After the death of his father in 1946, he lovingly cared for his mother until her death in 1951. George served in the Army as a photographer during the Korean War in the Graves Registration Unit in Kyushu, Japan for which he received the Korean Service Medal, the US Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Utilizing the GI Bill, he went on to graduate from the New York School of Modern Photography.

During his 25 years as a photojournalist at the Battle Creek Enquirer and News, George completed an estimated 20,000 assignments, and his work was recognized several times by the Associated Press, the Michigan Press Photographers Association, and the Inland Daily Press Association through awards and photo contests. His range of photos was wide: from dogs and children to astronauts and Presidents. While at the paper, George developed a life-long friendship with fellow photographer, Eddie Adams. Eddie went on to win a Pulitzer Prize in photojournalism and founded the world renowned Barnstorm: The Eddie Adams Workshop. George believed in Eddie's vision of a tuition free educational program for aspiring photojournalists.

In 1977 George established a successful commercial photography studio, Applied Photographics, Inc. in Battle Creek. His commercial clients included the Kellogg Foundation, Marshall Historical Society, and Eaton Corporation as well as many others. George and Beverly, with their dedicated assistant Alan Delach, ran the commercial studio until 2000 when George retired. George and Beverly were happily married for over 64 years and made their home on Christy Road where they raised their children and made many lifelong friends. They were also active members of the Neighborhood Planning Council, advocating for strong, safe neighborhoods and schools in Lakeview. George had a passion for travel. He traveled extensively in Asia during his service in the Korean War and across the US in his younger years. Although George's newspaper and commercial photography were unparalleled, George's family treasures most the beautiful and loving photographs he took of his family. His family will miss George's wisecracking humor and the flash of his camera at future family gatherings. Visitation will take place at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 14, from 4 to 7 PM. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 15, at 12 PM at St. Thomas Episcopal Church followed by burial with military honors at Fort Custer National Cemetery at 1:30 PM. Contributions can be made in George's memory to St. Thomas Episcopal Church or the Eddie Adams Workshop, PO Box 488, Jeffersonville, NY 12748, c/o Alyssa Adams. Make checks payable to Eddie Adams Workshop Organization, Inc. www.henryfuneralhome.org

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

Published by Battle Creek Enquirer from Oct. 10 to Oct. 11, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for George Vallillee

Sponsored by Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

9 Entries

Donn Brown

October 14, 2020

I first met George in 1966 after serving 4 years as a photographer in the USAF. Corky Wherrett hired me to do film processing and scanning for the Photo Dept. George took me under his wing and mentored me for time I was there. He always was kind and thoughtful and showed me the right way to capture the images around me. We lost touch over the years after I moved to Florida but I did visit him at his studio on Dickman Rd. I am sorry I was not able to spend more time with him reminiscing the old days at the Enquirer.

Frank Ballard

October 14, 2020

We were neighbors for many years. In fact, I remember the first time my grandson -then 2yrs old, and I met he & his wife.
Hot air balloons were flying above our heads. My grandson & I took to the street to get close up views. Sitting outside, in their lawn chairs, they waived and prompted us to come say "Hi!"
Now....the 2yr old is now 15. That's a memory of what "kind neighbors" do. I'm grateful for his existence.....on our block. The Ballards. 10/14/20

Debra Vallillee

Sent Flowers

Lori Kneeland

October 13, 2020

My father Don Hinderliter, was a reporter for the Enquirer and loved working with George. Dad respected his remarkable ability with a camera, but even more that he was such a good man and good colleague. George really understood people...cared about them...and it showed in his photos. I am so very sorry for your loss and wanted you to know how loved Feirge was!

Bob and Louise Bailey

October 13, 2020

We will miss you, dear George.
Love, Bob and Louise

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Robert Bailey

Sent Flowers

james galloway

Planted Trees

Bill and Debbie Tousey

October 11, 2020

Uncle George your generous spirit and kind heart will always be remembered. We will miss your smile and quick wit. May you rest in the loving arms of our dear Lord and Savior, and our prayers are with you and your family.

Robert (Bob) and Ione Dixon

October 11, 2020

George, you are missed. Your smile and humor were always a lifter upper wherever you were. RIP dear cousin.

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