George H. Laing

Mr. George H. Laing, Jr., age 94, passed away on Monday evening, July 27, 2015, at his home near Americus. The family will greet friends and relatives at Hancock Funeral Home, 427 South Lee Street, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, or at 195 Middle River Road at any time. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 30, in the chapel of Hancock Funeral Home with Rev. Brooks Partain and Rev. Lawrence Wiggins officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Those asked to serve as active pallbearers include Tuck Rush, Rob Rush, David Schramm, Calvin Schramm, Joe Warcewicz, and Gene Howard. Cody Howard, John Schramm, and John Warcewicz are asked to serve as honorary pallbearers. Born October 30, 1920, in Sumter County, Mr. Laing was a son of the late George Herbert Laing, Sr. and Zelda Johnson Laing. He served his country as a member of the U.S. Army from 1942 until 1946 and as a member of the U.S. Air Force from 1947 until 1951. He was a proud member of the American Legion. Mr. Laing was a life-long member of Salem United Methodist Church and at the time of his death he was the oldest member of the church. He was a prominent Sumter County farmer, specializing in cattle and row crops. He lived and worked on the family farm which was a working farm for 150 continuous years, a distinction of which was recognized by an award from the Department of Natural Resources. In addition to his farming activities, Mr. Laing was active in many community affairs. He retired in 1982 from services he had rendered to South Georgia Technical School and in 2007 he retired from the Sumter County Court House where he had served as a bailiff. Having served for more than 40 years, he was the oldest board member of District 8 Sumter County Farm Bureau, and he was honored in 2005 when a flag pole was dedicated in his honor. On a personal level, he loved to grow and share vegetables, and was a life-long Florida salt water flats fisherman. Survivors include his children, George W. and Kay Laing of Vancouver, WA, Mary L. and Tucker Rush of Americus, and Pat L. and John Williams of Leslie; his grandchildren, Tuck and Sheryl Rush, Julie and David Schramm, Cathy W. Howard, Anna W. and Joe Warcewicz, Gene Howard, Nathan and Alicia Laing, and Melissa and Keith Kleiser; a sister-in-law, Liza Chappell Parker of Americus; special caregivers, Carrie Morgan, Anita Lyles, Annette Westbrook, and Porsha Ingram; 10 great grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eugenia Chappell Laing and by his brother, Walter J. Laing. The family suggests that memorial contributions might be made to Salem United Methodist Church, 903 Upper River Road, Americus, GA 31709 or to Phoebe-Sumter Hospice, P.O. Box 1434, Americus, GA 31709. To sign our online guestbook and express your condolences to the family, please visit www.hancockfuneralhomeinc.com Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements for Mr. George H. Laing.