Dr. William George

Dr. E. William “Bill” George, 82, of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, went home to be with his Lord on October 20, 2008. A native of Girardville, Pennsylvania, Bill graduated from Girardville High School, received his B.S. from John Brown University, an M.A. from Azusa Pacific University, and did graduate study in theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from JBU in 1998. Bill served in the Department of State in the Foreign Service Division, then began his life’s ministry with JBU, managing radio stations in Arkansas, Oklahoma and California, and consulting for stations in Texas, Florida, and Missouri. Bill served as Vice President of Western Operations for John Brown Schools and Vice President of the John Brown Schools Foundation. Bill received a citation from the Arkansas House of Representatives and the Distinguished Achiever Award from JBU in recognition of his outstanding performance while serving as Interim President of the university in 1994. Bill was elected a Trustee of JBU in 1954 and continued to serve in that capacity until his death. Before moving to Siloam Springs, Bill was a long-time resident of Long Beach, California, where he gave to his community through his church and his work with many civic organizations, including serving as President of the Long Beach Rotary Club. He held positions on numerous national, state, and local boards, including Thru-the-Bible radio and the national board of National Religious Broadcasters. He received many awards and honors throughout his lifetime. Bill was a member of The First Baptist Church of Siloam Springs. Survivors include his beloved wife of 56 years, Mary Eva; son, Eric of Indiana; daughter, Marsha of Siloam Springs, Arkansas; daughter-in-love, Cindy of Indianapolis; grandson and granddaughter, Ryan and Sarah George of Austin, Texas; granddaughter and grandson, Lindsay and Monty Alexander of Rock Hill, SC; great granddaughters, Sophia and Nyla George; and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Bill and Mary Eva George Endowed Scholarship Fund at John Brown University, 2000 West University Street, Siloam Springs, AR 72761. Visitation will be 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., Friday, October 24, 2008, at Wasson Funeral Home, Siloam Springs. Memorial services will be 3:00 p.m., Sunday, October 26, 2008, in John Brown University’s Cathedral of the Ozarks, Siloam Springs, Arkansas. A reception will follow in JBU’s Kresge Dining Hall.

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Dr. William George