Samuel Asbury George

Samuel Asbury George Samuel Asbury George, Junior was born on January 10, 1937 in Columbia, South Carolina to Annie Laurie Kennerly George and Samuel Asbury George. He died in Savannah, Georgia on March 5, 2018. Blessed with a dry wit, keen intelligence, and a non-judgmental attitude toward life and his fellow man, he was a joy to know and was loved by many. He was an exceedingly strong man in body and spirit. He never questioned why he unfortunately had such a long, arduous illness, and he loved life. From an early age, he worked in the family business begun by his grandfather, Samuel Bolivar George. He began his career with Citizens Telephone Company climbing telephone poles, cutting right of way, and crawling under houses to install phones. He learned to drive in a telephone truck. A lover of fine cars and speed, he won trophies at the Palmetto Speedway with his first car, a 1959 black Corvette. He was a graduate of Wofford College and the University of South Carolina. While at Wofford, he performed in their renowned Tennessee Dewdrops who entertained many groups across South Carolina. As a hobby, he later played in a band, Tiller's Ferry. After graduation from Wofford College, he became the general manager of Citizens Telephone Company where he installed the first digital exchange office and the first mobile cellular telephone service in the state of South Carolina. After the sale of the family business, he returned to school and upon graduation became the chief electrical engineer for Tamper, Canron Rail Group. While at Tamper, he travelled the world from Australia to Switzerland as an engineer and product designer. Later he joined Kershaw Manufacturing Company and traveled from China to England and points in between. He was a lecturer for the Chinese Railway Ministry and many of his designs received patents. Several of the machines he designed are still in production twenty years after his retirement. A descendant of American Revolutionary War fighters, he served in the United States Army and retired as a battalion commander and Lieutenant Colonel in the South Carolina Army National Guard. He always indulged his wife in her varied interests and projects and through her efforts became an owner with Jason and Jennifer Restivo of Atlantic, a restaurant at 102 East Victory Drive in Savannah GA. Predeceased by his parents and a sister, Olga George Darden, he is survived by his wife, Ida Rush George; two daughters, Liles Courtney George and Renee George Meighan; one son-in-law, Robert John Meighan; two grandchildren, Samuel George Meighan and Catherine Kennerly Meighan; and a sister, Lynn George Addy. The family wishes to thank all those who provided excellent care during his illness; particularly, Dr. Joe David Christian, III and the nurses in his office, Latavia Green and Lamonica. Physician Assistant, Melissa Porter and nurse, Jennifer Marcantonio were always so kind. Dr. Jeff Schyberg saved his life in 2011. Dr. Frank Davis did a marvelous job as did the nurses in ICU at Memorial Health: Jessica, Lisa, Rachel, and Teresa. He always enjoyed the Monday visits of Alvin Lamar. Every morning, breakfast at Buffalo's was made the high point of his day by Kerry Ann, Noel, Leroy, Clyde, Jeek, Carolyn, Theodoshia, Sarah, Senae, Nicole, James, and Andrew. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 9, 2018 at 12:30 p.m. at the Palmetto Bluff May River Chapel on Old Palmetto Bluff Road with a reception to follow at the Canoe Club, Palmetto Bluff. All are welcome. Memorials may be made to St. John's Church, 1 West Macon Street, Savannah, GA 31401 and the Historic Savannah Foundation, 321 East York Street, Savannah, GA 31401. Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com