George Harvey Abray

With saddened hearts, we announce the passing of George Harvey Abray on July 26, 2023, at Emory Johns Creek Hospital. Born 86 years ago in London, Ontario, George was the son of Harry and Thelma (Hudson) Abray.
Beloved husband of 58 years to Charlene (nee Dillon). Devoted father to son Jeffrey Colin (Alissa) of Toronto, Ontario and daughter Lisa Deanna of Milton, Georgia. Proud grandfather to Emma, and Michael Abray. Fondly remembered by his sister Caryl Scheel (late Merrell). Predeceased by two brothers, Bill (late Marjorie) and Jerry (late Frankie). Brother-in-law to the late Howard Dillon (late Theresa), late Dan Dillon (Elaine), Margaret Anne Milliman (late Jim), late Bill Dillon (Connie), late Bob Dillon (Vicki), late Carl Dillon (Harriett), Mary Catherine Collins, Rosemary Millar (Doug) and Diane Colvin (Bill). His loss will be mourned by many nieces, nephews, and friends as well.
George studied engineering at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Following his marriage to Charlene in 1965, they moved to St. Thomas, Ontario where he began his career at Clark Equipment Company. George played a leadership role at Clark in the design and development of heavy forestry equipment. In 1979, George was offered a new opportunity and relocated his family to Mobile, Alabama. His expanded responsibilities with the VME Group (Volvo Michigan Euclid) included the development and management of a dealership network across the Southeastern United States. Later, George continued his business development efforts of another southeastern forestry/construction dealer network on behalf of Blount Construction Company. After retiring in 2001, George and Charlene enjoyed many years of travelling and vacationing throughout Canada, the United States and Europe. In 2015, they moved to Johns Creek, Georgia to be near their daughter Lisa. In doing so, they found a warm, caring retirement community to call "home".
George's many interests and hobbies included horses, sports cars, golfing, kayaking and travel. He was passionate about music and spent many enjoyable hours playing piano, guitar, and harmonica. He loved his Bible study and looked forward to his weekly meetings with the Men's Group. He was a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church in Johns Creek, Georgia.
George volunteered countless hours of his time, and tirelessly gave back to his neighborhood communities. He loved his family deeply and treasured his friends. He will be missed by all.
To view a video tribute commemorating George's life, please click on the link below:
https://vimeo.com/850981664?share=copy
Any comments or memories can be posted on the "Tribute Wall".
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of the following: St. Patrick's Church and Shrine
Please make checks payable to:
St. Patrick's Church and Shrine
5773 Tenth Line
P.O. Box 203
Merlin ON NOP 1WO
Canada Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
Development Office
1762 Clifton Road, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30322
Funeral services will be held on September 30, 2023 3pm at St. Patrick's Church and Shrine, Merlin, Ontario, Canada.
St. Patrick's Church and Shrine
5773 Tenth Line
P.O. Box 203
Merlin ON NOP 1WO
Canada
Reception to follow at Rochester Place, Belle River, Ontario, Canada
Rochester Place
981 County Road 2
Belle River ON N0R 1A0
Canada

519-728-2361
Online condolences may be expressed at www.crowellbrothers.com. Arrangements entrusted to Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory, 5051 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. (770) 448-5757.
"Pre planning just makes sense" https://www.crowellbrothers.com/plan-a-funeral-or-cremation/plan-ahead