George Thomas Newhart, Sr.

George T. Newhart, Sr., 96, died peacefully in his sleep on December 12, 2016, at his residence in Schilling Gardens Assisted Living in Collierville, TN. George was born on October 27, 1920, in Indianapolis, Indiana. After graduating from Arsenal Technical High School, he married Ellen Gendron. George and Ellen were married for sixty-six years before she preceded him in death in 2007. George is survived by four children: George, Jr., of Fishers, IN, Jo Elyn Osborn (Gene) of Collierville, TN, Greg Newhart of Columbus, IN, and Gary Newhart (Annette) of Martinsville, IN. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. George served proudly in the Army Air Corp during World War II, during which time he developed a love of flying. Years later he realized a life-long dream by becoming a licensed pilot. George also had a passion for automobiles and spent a successful career in management in the automotive industry. George was a member of the Catholic Church of the Incarnation in Collierville and lived his life according to his faith. He was a generous and kind man who never met a stranger. Family was important to him, especially the many generations of grandchildren who brought joy to his life every day. He also treated people he had just met with the same level of kindness and attention that he showed his family. Those who got to know him returned that kindness and became a part of his extended family. George's children want to thank the generous staff of Schilling Gardens for the attention and care they showed him during his last few years. He felt loved and at home, and the quality of care made a time of failing health tolerable. The family will visit with relatives and friends on Wednesday, December 14, 2016, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Collierville Funeral Home at 534 West Poplar. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 15, 2016, at the same location. Burial will be at West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery with Military Honors.