George McKinley Pence Jr.

George McKinley Pence Jr., of Richmond, Virginia, died May 2, 2006. George was born in Augusta County, Virginia, to McKinley Belle Rodgers and George McKinley Pence Sr. on August 20, 1924. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Pence; and his son, Mac Pence; his daughter, Pamela Brooks, her husband, Keith; a granddaughter, Erin; and by his sister, Naomi Tiller. George was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Richmond and served in the U.S. Navy, 1942 to 1945. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #14, Scottish Rite Bodies and Acca Temple Shrine. George served on the Board of Directors of Wilson Inn, 1983 to 1986; the State Board of Directors for Volunteers of America, 1957 to 1966; the Board of Trinity Episcopal High School, 1975 to 1979. He actively served the United Methodist Church for 45 years as lay leader and lay speaker and in numerous positions including chairing the Finance Committee, Stewardship Committee and Administrative Board in various churches. He was currently a member of New Life United Methodist Church in Midlothian. George founded Pence Briggs Studebaker in 1949 with his father and his brother-in-law, Clayton Briggs. Under his leadership for the next 44 years, this company succeeded with American Motors, Nissan and Oldsmobile; and today continues as the Pence Automotive Group with four franchises in two locations. During his time, George received numerous awards including Nissan's highest Merit Award, fourteen of fifteen years, 1972 to 1986, and the American Import Dealer Association Dealer of Distinction in 1988. George loved to play golf and enjoyed traveling the world extensively with Margaret. George was a member of the Brandermill Retired Men's Club. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 5, at the Huguenot Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1020 Huguenot Road, where a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 6. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to New Life United Methodist Church or to the Midlothian YMCA.