George Hammond Law Jr.

George Hammond Law Jr. passed away on Jan. 14, 2012, in Gainesville, Ga., surrounded by his family and wonderful Morningside staff. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 12 years ago and fought courageously until the end. He was born to George Hammond Law Sr. and Helen Johnson Law on May 12, 1929, in Americus, Ga. At the age of four, he moved to Gainesville, Ga. He married the love of his life, Susan Reid Manley Law, on June 30, 1954, and they were married for 54 years. They raised five children.
George was a loving husband, father and grandfather and dedicated himself to God and family above all else. He loved his friends, his brother and his church very much. He loved to laugh, enjoy his life and had a beautiful smile that was full of joy. He was a kind and generous man, a gentleman who had a tremendous heart for people. He treated others with respect, patience and encouragement. He was a dedicated Christian who exemplified the tenets of his faith. He was a man of honor.
He was an avid sports lover. He played football, offensive and defensive line, at Gainesville High School where he was affectionately nicknamed "Junebug". He supported the Red Elephants throughout his life. George graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in business. He was a passionate supporter of the Georgia Bulldogs and his company, Law Lincoln Mercury, proudly provided Vince Dooley with a Lincoln Town Car for 12 years. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity, served as an out-of-town director of the Athens Touchdown Club, was a member of Gridiron, and the Lanierland Bulldog Club. Upon graduating from the University of Georgia, he served in the Air Force for two years and continued his military career in the reserves for many years where he attained the rank of Captain.
George began his work with his father in the construction business, and also at that time had the Studebaker-Packard dealership in Gainesville. Later, George was president of Law Construction Company and then Law Lincoln Mercury where he worked alongside his brother Harold. They also acquired the Chrysler and Isuzu dealerships for a few years. He was involved in many civic organizations which included past president of the Gainesville Rotary Club, past president of the American Cancer Society, and member of the advisory board of the Salvation Army among others. He was a patron of Friends of Heritage Hall in Madison, Ga. where he was married in 1954. His wife later donated this home, which was the home of her grandmother, to the Morgan County Historical Society in Madison. He was a member of the Chattahoochee Country Club and the Elks Club before moving to St. Simons. George and Susan also sponsored four foreign exchange students through the Rotary Club from Scotland, Guatemala, Belgium and South Africa. They remained friends of these students and their families for years. George enjoyed traveling extensively with his wife Susan, and they retired to Saint Simons Island for several years before returning to Gainesville. There they were active in the Wesley United Methodist Church, but he never transferred his membership from his beloved First Baptist Church of Gainesville.
He was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church in Gainesville for over 75 years. He decided to join the church there when he was six years old after being invited by a family friend. He said he heard a sermon from the minister about what Christ had done for us and that day marched down the aisle. He told his parents when he got home. This inspired his parents to start coming to church and his father was baptized four years later at the age of 40. George served in many capacities in the church, including as a deacon for over 30 years. He greatly enjoyed being a longtime member of the Anglers' Sunday school class and led the singing in that class for many years. The construction company graded and grassed the land where the present church was built in the early 60s.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan; his parents; and four young siblings, Barbara, Helen, Charles and Linda; as well as his niece, Jennifer Law; and his very special friends, Hillyer King, Ned Blackman, John Miller and Ben Carter. He is survived by children, Elizabeth Law Hein, G. Hammond Law III, Dr. James Fletcher Law and wife Kay, Helen Law Perry and husband Mike, all of Gainesville, and Susan Law Tarleton of Winston-Salem, N.C.; grandchildren,  Wilson Hein, Helen Hein, Kaitlin Law, Lindsay Law, Jake Law, Graham Law, Michael Perry, Tyler Perry, Lewis Perry, Reid Tarleton, Sam Tarleton, Margaret Anne Tarleton and Jane Tarleton; great-grandchildren, Hallie Hein and Holden Law. He was also survived by his brother, Harold "Hunky"; and two nephews, Griff and Ferrell Law; and also his brother and sister-in-law, Pat and Phil Newton. In addition, his special caregivers and friends, Essie Richardson, Pearl Holland, Pam Lindsey and Donna Carter; as well as the dedicated staff at Morningside Assisted Living.
Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church in Gainesville at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012. Visitation will held at Memorial Park on Riverside Drive from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 16, 2012.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First Baptist Church on Green Street in Gainesville or the National Parkinson Foundation, P.O. Box 501, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018.
Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, Ga. 770-297-6200.
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The Times, Gainesville, Ga.
Jan. 16, 2012