George Redd

1932 - 2025

George Redd

January 12, 1932 - May 6, 2025

George William Redd of West Point, Virginia, passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Born on January 12, 1932, in Danville, he was the son of William Dupuy Redd and Estelle Chappell Redd.

After being orphaned as a child in the Great Depression era, he worked as a farm hand, plowing fields behind a mule, to pay for his room and board. Despite these early challenges, he was always positive and upbeat as he made his way forward in the world with grit, determination, hard work, a friendly smile, and a warm handshake.

George was predeceased by his first wife, Virginia DeHart Redd; and is survived by their children, William Redd (Dee), Cheryl Melton (Steve), Richard Redd (Julie); and grandchildren Dr. Walker Redd (Taylor), Chappell Redd, Alex Melton, Virginia Melton, Will Redd; and great-grandsons Davis and Brooks Redd. He is survived by his wife, Jane Massey Redd; and his stepsons, David Walton (Lori) and Charles Walton (Lily); and step grandchildren Kai and Vlado Garcia-Lorinz.

After graduating from Worsham High School near Farmville, he enlisted in the Air Force in 1952 and saw service in Germany and England during the Korean War. Upon discharge as a Staff Sergeant, he attended the University of Virginia, graduating from the McIntire School of Commerce in 1959. He also completed the Executive Program at UVa's Darden School in 1964.

George began his long career in the paper industry with Owens-Illinois. In 1961, he moved to the Chesapeake Corporation in West Point for a 40-year career in sales during which he had the opportunity to travel the world. He was with one of the first companies to sell in China and East Germany when they opened to American business. He also helped lead several boards in the paper industry. After retiring in 1998, he consulted for both St. Laurent and Smurfit Stone.

For decades, he was active in the West Point community. These endeavors included serving as president of the Jaycees, the Kiwanis, West Point Country Club, West Point Country Club Estates, and chairman of the King William County Republican Party.

He was an active member of the West Point United Methodist Church and was a long-time chairman of its Board of Trustees. George was an enthusiastic UVA sports fan and enjoyed golf, tennis, snow skiing, and annual summer family vacations to the beach. However, his greatest pleasure and source of pride came from his family.

George took an extraordinary interest in the activities of his extended family and rarely missed a significant event in their lives.

George's family thanks him for the example he set and the values he instilled which emphasized the importance of family, faith, country, friends, humility, hard work, and strength in the face of adversity.

Services will be held at West Point United Methodist Church on Friday, May 16th, at 2:30 pm followed by a reception in the church's fellowship hall.

The interment at Sunny Slope Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the West Point United Methodist Church, PO Box 610, 1020 Main Street, West Point, VA 23181. Tributes may be posted at www.vincentfh.com.