Willie C. George's Obituary
Willie Cullen George, 92, of Henderson, was born August 23, 1922 in Burke, Texas. He passed away peacefully at his home on June 4th, 2015.
Mr. George joined the United States Navy on November 6, 1942, as an Apprentice Seaman. He served on the USS Cambria (APA-36), USS Indianapolis (CA-35), and the USS New Mexico (BB-40) as a radio operator mostly under the command of Admiral Raymond Spruance. Battles fought while in service include the Marshall and Gilbert Islands, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. He rose to the rank of RM 2/c before being honorably discharged and returning home to Diboll, Texas.
Upon his return, he had various jobs and attended college classes at Sam Houston State University before meeting his wife of 60 years, Gloria Simpson. They moved to Henderson in 1954 to operate the Lacy Cotton Gin. They purchased the gin and expanded its operations to include a Texo feed store. Mr. George then became involved in the Henderson Livestock Commission. The cotton gin was unfortunately destroyed by fire in the late 60’s.
Shortly after becoming involved in the auction business, he built his first long term healthcare facility, Southwood Convalescent Center. This was the start of a career that would eventually lead to the construction and operation of Autumn Leaves Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Henderson. He and Gloria were both licensed nursing home administrators and innovators of long term care in Texas. Shortly after constructing Autumn Leaves, Mr. George formed several other medical companies including Advancing At Home Healthcare, Arbor Place Assisted Living, and Angel Care Hospice which continue to operate today under new ownership.
In 1983 Mr. George built the Circle Plaza Shopping Center which included a Winn Dixie Grocery and the Circle Plaza Cinema. Winn Dixie eventually left Texas and Mr. George established a locally owned and operated grocery store, Henderson MarketPlace. In 1987 Mr. and Mrs. George purchased Texas Bank of Tatum and changed the name to Texas Bank which now operates seven branches throughout East Texas.
While visiting Branson, Missouri in 1992, Mr. George was unable to find an available hotel room. This inspired him to build the Ozark Regal Hotel. Being a hotel owner was one of Mr. George’s most prized personal achievements. He told everyone to visit Branson and stay at his Ozark Regal Hotel.
Mr. George enjoyed farming vegetables and took great pride in his fig tree. He also enjoyed cattle ranching and passing on his passion to younger generations. He purchased many animals throughout the years at the Rusk County Youth Project Show giving back to the community. In recent years he donated a former nursing facility to Son Shine Lighthouse, a woman’s shelter, and helped Henderson expand its parks through land acquisition.
He is survived by one sister, Mary Sue Ferguson of Beaumont, a half-brother, Jimmy George of Ft. Davis, a half-sister, Audrey Bullard of Round Rock; daughters Virginia Irwin and husband Billy Wayne of Henderson, Kay Segura of Austin; grandchildren Casey Irwin and wife Emma of Carrollton, Kati Wagner and husband Graham of Park City, UT, Trey Segura of Henderson, Will Segura of Austin, Jenny Segura of College Station; and great-grandchildren Frances Irwin, Bryce Irwin, and Lucia Wagner. He is preceded in death by wife Gloria George and siblings Doris Squyres and Hulen George.
A special thanks to his caregivers Michelle Means, Tajuana Dennis, Millicent Robertson, and Mevane Dorsey. Also Joyce Nayfa of Angel Care Hospice.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm Saturday, June 6th, in the chapel of Rader Funeral Home with Pastor Matt Gholson officiating. Interment to follow at Lakewood Memorial Park. Visitation will be at 1:00 pm prior to the service. Pallbearers for the service are Casey Irwin, Trey Segura, Will Segura, Graham Wagner, Paul Morris, Gene McCauley, Troy Williams, Carl Webber Ferguson. Honorary Pallbearers are Scotty Cawthon, Dallas Woods, Lisa King, Ronnie Medford and Brad Smith.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Willie and Gloria George Business Scholarship: PO Box 1990, Henderson Texas 75653.
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