George T. Lingo Sr.

I have no memory of a time in life when George
and I were not friends. When we were very little boys we would wave at one another across the corner from his porch to my grandmothers house since we were to little cross the street without a parent watching. We attended school together and later worked for the same company for a time. George was prankster and trickster who delighted
in playing good natured tricks and pranks on his many friends. Seems like I was a favorite target for his unbridled humor. All in good fun and now are fond memories. George was a unique individual
with a myriad of talents. He could ride a bicycle
backwards better than most of us could ride one
facing forward. When it came to motorcycles George could ride like the wind! He carried a screwdriver and a pair of vice grip pliers and could
effect roadside repairs with those two tools and be up and running in a flash. I also marveled at his ability to sprint down North Woodlawn Street on cold days as fast as his legs would carry him. This may not seem unusual, however George would do so with both hands thrust deep in the pockets of his leather motorcycle jacket while never making a misstep. Once when we were older George stopped his bike to have a smoke.( We often rode two up in those days) When he discovered his book of matches were soggy and would not produce fire I was much pleased! I did not smoke and used to harass George about his smoking. I was having a fine time giving George grief. He just smirked at me and proceeded to do some of his magic on the carburetor. Soon he had a small stream of gas flowing from the thing. Stand back
he told me this is to dangerous for you. I did so immediately. George then used his screwdriver to short out the pug wire he had disconnected and produced a spark and then a small sream of burning gas. After bending over and lighting his cigarette He casually terminated the stream of gas and slapped out the small remaining flame with his hand. He then remounted the bike looked at me and asked, "well are you just going to stand there
or get on? Such was the wit and dry humor of my friend George. George was kind man and always ready to lend a helping hand. I feel like we were kindred souls. I cant remember a cross word pass between the two of us. Later when I had encountered some difficult and trying times George looked after me and continuously offered
encouragement. For that matter his sister whom we all called Sis and her husband Sammy did so as well. I also was close to Georges brothers Johnny , known as little Johnny. Little he was not. His brother Earl, known as the Breeze for his free spriit
and wanderlust ways. I knew Georges Mom and Dad as well as his other sisters Mary and Carol although not as well. When George went to meet his wife June for the first time I jokingly told him I would wait in the car and keep the motor running so he could make a hasty escape. He did intent to just make casual appearance and then take his leave. He came out of our mutual friends house and informed me to go ahead he would catch a ride home later. The look on his face spoke volumes. The lad was smitten to say the least! George loved June from that day forward and still does. Later after I met her I understood why. She was and is a lovely person.as well as very good looking. I was pleased and honored when George asked me to be his best man at their wedding. I sat down this evening to reflect a bit and comment on my life long friendship with George. I started with a very heavy heart as I have felt since June informed me of his passing. As I sit here and let my mind wander back to times I shared with George I feel my spirits lift. I was lucky to have known George and call him my closest friend in life. Rest easy my
brother perhaps we will share a moment again in another life. I sure hope so.