George David Church

George David Church, 86, celebrated his first day in heaven with Jesus and his beloved wife, Louise, on December 19, 2018, after a long battle with multiple illnesses. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. George was the son of Samuel Elcaney Church and Cora Mable Colyer Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a son, Stephen David Church, as well as his brothers and sisters: Elmer Duane Church, Ruth Emily Church Lewis, Glenna Mae Church Street, Mary Sue Church, Harry Monroe Church, Samuel Eugene (Gene) Church, Clara June Church Jenkins, and Marie Church. Those left to mourn include daughters, Deborah (Terry) Stout of Suwanee, GA and Carol (Robert) Pershing of Johnson City; grandchildren, Kinsey Stout of Rome, GA and Chris, Sabrina, and Anna Pershing of Johnson City; multiple nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. He is also survived by his little buddy, Chico. George graduated from Science Hill High School and attended East Tennessee State University. George and Louise lived in Johnson City until 1974, when he and Louise were transferred to Jacksonville, FL. Upon retirement in 1994, they returned to Jonesborough. George was a former member of Roan Hill Baptist Church in Johnson City, Sans Souci and Arlington Baptist Churches in Jacksonville, FL and was a current member of Southwestern Baptist Church, where he served many functions. He was a former member of the Johnson City Rescue Squad and a Sunday school teacher. He and Louise delivered Meals on Wheels for several years and he was proud to be a member of Gideons International. George was privileged to experience an Honor Flight, escorted by his nephew Melvin ?Moe' Baines. George started his career at Clinchfield Railroad in Erwin, TN and was transferred to Jacksonville, FL. He retired from CSX Transportation Treasury Dept. George also served his country in the United States Air Force from 1951-1959 in the Philippines during the Korean War. The family of George Church will receive friends from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at Morris-Baker Funeral Home in the Oak Chapel. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 am. Pastor Greg Salyer and Doyle Walters will be officiating. The graveside committal service will be conducted afterward at 1:00 pm at the Monte Vista Memorial Park. Those who wish to join the procession to the cemetery should meet in the Morris-Baker parking lot by 12:40 pm to leave at 12:45 pm. Active pallbearers will be: Robert Pershing, Terry Stout, Chris Pershing, Moe Baines, Tim Story, and Allan Walters. Honorary pallbearers are David Baines, Skip Church, and former and current members of Jim Miller?s Sunday School Class. For those who wish, flowers or memorial contributions to Gideons International: https://www.gideons.org/donate.