William Thomas George Jr.'s Obituary
William Thomas George Jr., 70, of Ashburn, VA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 30, 2024.
Born on February 9, 1954, in Vallejo California, he was preceded in death by his parents. William Thomas George Sr. and Mary Alyce Corriveau.
He leaves his family to cherish his memory, including his wife of 33 years, Karen Tilghman George, and their daughter Rebekah Grace Heffington with son-in-law Michael Heffington, and three grandchildren Abigail, William, and Charlotte. He is also survived by his sister, Cheryl G. Towslee in Holly Springs NC, his brother, Kenny M. George (Vincent) in Washington DC, and his brother, Charles J. George in Arlington VA.
Growing up he went by the nickname ‘Will’, and after the family left California he had great memories of living up and down the East Coast, finally settling down in Springfield VA. His parents introduced him to music at an early age with a fond memory from his Dad getting all the kids up to watch the Beatles in their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. His mother loved music as well and fostered his love for Classical and Jazz. This led to his becoming a very versed musician on Harmonica, Guitar, Banjo, Trumpet, and even playing by ear on Piano for his own enjoyment. Others will know him by his love for being a two-wheel rider of motorcycles from an early age and all through his adult life.
William, upon the encouragement from his father who was retired Navy, joined the Air Force and got to spend time in Hawaii. The joke then was when he was in the uniform several of the officers wanted to know why his shirt had his first name on it, which in fact it didn’t but at that juncture he started going by ‘Bill’. After leaving his time in the military, Bill went to work for a company that took his job overseas to Saudi Arabia where he caught the travel-bug, and travel he did with his most favorite spot being Ireland.
When they met in 1989 Karen had too many Bill’s in her life so he switched to using his middle name ‘Thomas’. They married in 1990, and went on to have Rebekah in 1991. As a veracious reader his collection of books spanned too many subjects to mention and he loved spending time in antiquarian bookstores, a passion that he passed along to his wife and daughter. Today you will perhaps still find Cheerios snacks and other treats from the many days where his daughter was in tow as early as she was able to walk. Books and black & white classic movies became the family-time passion. He was always an active hands-on father that was evident from the volume of photos that fill the albums documenting years of dedication and sacrifice.
Thomas was kind-hearted and was always thinking of how to serve others. Working in the technology field for electronics, networking, communications, and customer support, he was ever eager to expand his knowledge and skills across the companies he supported for contracts in private industry and government initiatives. Thomas’ family and friends will remember him by his goofy sense of humor, strong faith, a positive attitude despite any challenge he faced, and his thirst for knowledge. Thomas will be fondly remembered for his distinct laugh, ever present-smile, and his sharp intellect. Always noted as being dressed in his dapper style, often with suspenders and a bowtie, with an outfit-matching hat.
The family will be receiving friends to share memories and celebrate his life from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Friday, June 28, 2024, at Loudoun Funeral Chapel, 158 Catoctin Cr. SE, Leesburg, VA, 20175.
In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting you favorite charity.
As a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, future internment plans will be at Arlington National Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of William?
What’s a lesson you learned from William?
Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William you’ll never forget.
How did William make you smile?