Raymond George

1936 - 2024

Raymond George

April 14, 1936 - January 4, 2024

Lakewood, Washington - Ray George, a beloved member of the Lakewood community, passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on January 4. 2024. He was born on April 14, 1936, to Dorothy and Rayman George in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Ray's life journey eventually led him to the Pacific Northwest. He attended Clover Park High School, discovering his passion for playing the trombone, auto mechanics, and car racing.

In 1956, Ray married Sharon Cutler. Their enduring 68-year marriage bore the fruits of a loving family, raising three children who, in turn, gifted them with seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren-some named in honor of Ray himself.

Ray's well-respected career began in 1954 at the Park Lodge Service, the Chevron station in the heart of Lakewood, where he worked for two decades. In 1974, he took the helm at the Mobile Station on Pacific Avenue, later transitioning to the Texaco on Gravelly Lake Drive. Establishing Ray's Auto Center, the business thrived and moved locations, culminating in its present home on Steilacoom Blvd. Retiring at 55, Ray passed the torch to his son Steve while remaining an integral part of the company, embodying the legacy of "keeping Lakewood moving since 1954."

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ray was an active member of the Lakewood Rotary Club and a devout founding member of Sunset Bible Church, where he frequently led services. A passionate follower of his son Steve's racing endeavors and an avid golfer, Ray embraced retirement as a snowbird, dividing his time between Arizona and Lakewood.

Ray is preceded in death by his son, Michael George, his father, Rayman George, and his mother, Dorothy Kennedy. He is survived by his devoted spouse, Sharon; Mike's widow, Janna George; his daughter, Lynn, and her husband, Charles Guthrie; son, Steve George and his wife, Letha; and his three sisters, Annette Poole, Clair Mintier and Karen Sherwood.

Ray George's impact will be deeply felt by family, friends, and all who knew him. His celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 11:00 am at Sunset Bible Church, 7907 40th Street West in University Place, Washington, followed by a reception.