George Willis Agnew

George Willis Agnew

George Willis Agnew, beloved husband, father, and brother, passed away peacefully on

November 12, 2025, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee after a prolonged illness. He was 92 years old. George, known as Bud by his family, was born on March 15, 1933, in Chuckey, Tennessee, located in Greene County. He graduated from Chuckey High School in 1951 followed by a Bachelor of Science degree from East Tennessee State University in 1959 and a Master of Education degree from the University of Mississippi in 1962. He was a member of the United States Army for 2 years from 1954 – 1956, followed by 6 years in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1956 – 1962, when he was honorably discharged. George dedicated his life to education by being a teacher with physical education as his specialty, a coach, and a principal, after several years as an educator, he began working for the United States government as a civilian in various capacities. He enjoyed traveling to and working in various places including Bermuda, Japan, Turkey, Guam and in states such as Mississippi, Florida, Louisiana, and Ohio. He retired from the U.S. government in 1993 and spent his retirement working on his family's genealogy, connecting with old friends, and enjoying time with his family. He then returned home to Tennessee in 2013 to live out his remaining years with his family.

George is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Alice Agnew of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Daughter Jacqueline Diahann Agnew, son Frederic Matthew Agnew, and a sister, Mary Ellen Agnew, all of Knoxville, Tennessee; nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He is preceded in death by his father, Arthur Matthew Agnew; mother, Effie Mae (Smith) Agnew; maternal grandparents William Lewis Smith and Mary Emma (Salts) Smith; paternal grandparents John E. Agnew and Nellie Ellen (Costello) Agnew; aunts, uncles, and other relatives.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2025, from 1 – 4 p.m. at Jeffers Funeral Home, 208 N. College Street in Greeneville, Tennessee. A graveside service and internment will be held later on at the Holy Rosary Church Cemetery, 10131 Ball Field Road (BIA Road 2460) in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Flowers are welcome, or donations can be made in George's name to the one of the following organizations: American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, or National Kidney Foundation.