George Edward Nuse

George Edward Nuse, 78, of Peachtree Corners, Georgia, passed away on October 2, 2025.
Born on December 7, 1946, in Englewood, New Jersey, to Col. Thurman S. Nuse (U.S. Army, Ret.) and Peggy Rowena Ford Nuse, George's childhood spanned the globe-from the quiet streets of Japan and Germany to Anniston, Alabama, where he graduated high school. His travels continued through Germany and Maryland before he eventually found his permanent home in Atlanta, Georgia. Those early years sparked his lifelong love of adventure, travel, and machinery of every kind.
A 1964 graduate of Anniston High School, George went on to study at the General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan, and the University of Maryland, including a year at their Munich campus. In 1970, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he proudly served his country before returning to civilian life. Education remained an important theme throughout his life, and at the age of 68, after proudly putting his three children through college and doctorate school, George earned his own bachelor's degree from Columbus State University-a testament to his perseverance and love of learning.
George's professional life was as dynamic as his interests. He built a successful career as owner of National Tire Wholesale (NTW), with multiple locations in Atlanta. His passion for motorsports eventually led him to serve as Owner and Vice President of Road Atlanta from 1993 to 1996, a role that perfectly combined his leadership skills with his lifelong love of racing.
It was through the same love of cars that George met the love of his life, Pookie, in 1969. He was winning autocross races in his Corvair when fate intervened through Pookie's childhood neighbor, who wrote an autocross magazine - an introduction that changed both of their lives. George and Pookie married on July 7, 1979, in Roswell, Georgia, and went on to build a full, joyful life together, raising three children: Dr. Treacy Nuse Hunter, DPT, Laura Nuse, and Andrew Nuse.
George's sense of adventure never slowed. He continued racing after his Corvair days, driving an Elden Formula Ford while living in Maryland, and later competed throughout Georgia. He participated in various SCCA, SVRA, and Ferrari Club of America events, where he amassed numerous wins and drove an impressive range of cars over the years. He later took to the skies, earning his sailplane badges in 1994 and receiving his Diamond Badge in 1995. The following year, he obtained his private pilot's license and went on to add instrument, amphibious, and multi-engine ratings over the years. He logged more than 1,900 flight hours, including an unforgettable day in November 1997 when he flew with Chuck Yeager in his "Glamorous Glen III" P-51D Mustang. George especially cherished his time flying with the "Sky Dogs", a tight-knit group of pilots who flew across the country, visiting small-town airports and sharing countless adventures and friendships in the skies.
Later in life, George found joy in creative and calming pursuits. He developed a love of Japanese maple bonsai, playing the guitar, ceramics, and watercolor painting. He enjoyed fly fishing, hunting, and creating alongside Pookie and their children. Whether in his garage or garden, George found beauty in craftsmanship and shared that creativity generously with those around him.
Whether behind the wheel or above the clouds, George lived life with enthusiasm, curiosity, and courage. He was a devoted husband, father, and friend who approached every challenge with humor and heart. His stories, laughter, and boundless energy will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
George is preceded in death by his parents, Col. Thurman S. Nuse (U.S. Army, Ret.) and Peggy Nuse and his grandparents, E.J. Ford and Ruth F. Ford.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 46 years, Joyce "Pookie" Nuse; his children, Dr. Treacy Nuse Hunter, DPT (husband, Maj. Matthew Hunter, U.S. Army, Ret.) and granddaughter Isabella "Izzy" Hunter; Laura Ann Nuse (wife, Christina Fecarotta) and grandsons Sebastian "Bash" Nuse and Oliver Nuse; Andrew Ford Nuse; his brother, Jeffrey Bernard Nuse; and countless other family members and friends who celebrate the incredible life he lived.
A celebration of George's life will be held at a later date, and his remains will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Cemetery in Sylvester, Georgia.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.crowellbrothers.com. Arrangements by Crowell Brothers Peachtree Chapel Funeral Home, 5051 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Norcross/Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. (770)448-5757.