George R. Way, of Beaumont, died Monday, April 18, 2005 at his residence.
Born March 4, 1920 to Corbett and Nellie (Smith) Way in Sweetser, Indiana he
served in the United States Air Force during World War II and was honorably discharged after the war.
Proceeded in death by his parents; brother, Bill Way and first wife, Marjorie Way, he is survived by his wife of 31 years, Linda; daughter, Myrna Finch and husband Laird of Stowell; sons, George R. (Bobby) Way, Jr. of Stowell and Shannon R. Deason of Beaumont; grandsons, Matthew and Robert Finch; granddaughter, Alexandra (Ali) Way; and sister, Helen Piper of North Manchester, IN.
George was a rice farmer, rancher, and businessman. For over 50 years George was a member of the Masonic Lodge, EL Mina Shrine, and Scottish Rites. George was instrumental in setting up the volunteer Ambulance and Fire Department in Winnie-Stowell. George served on the East Chambers Board of Education from 1958-71 prior to moving to Beaumont in 1974. George was a longtime member of Civil Air Patrol.
On March 17, 2002 in a ceremony at the Church of St. Onofrio in Rome, Italy, General George R. Way, Sr., Chairman of the United States Service Command of America, was Knighted into The Order of St. Catherine of Sinai for the military and religious contributions made during his life. His written title is General the Chevalier, George R. Way, KKS. The Order of St. Catherine of Sinai was founded in the year 737 and took part in the Crusades. The ceremony was conducted by Grandmaster, The Most Reverend Archbishop Mikhail, 3rd Vicar Grandmaster, of the Religious and Military Order of The Knights of St. Catherine of Sinai.
Donations may be made to M.D.Anderson Cancer Center, P. O. Box 297153, Houston, Texas 77292; First Christian Church, 5290 N.Caldwood Dr., Memorial Fund, Beaumont, Texas 77707, First United Methodist Church, Winnie-Stowell, P.O.Box 1570, Winnie, Texas 77665.
George requested to be cremated with a Memorial Service on May 7, 2005 at 10:00 A.M. in Fairview Cemetery, Fairview Road, Winnie, Texas. Services will be conducted at the graveside by Reverend Brenda Warren of First Christian Church, Beaumont.
George and his Bulldog Freckles, who also died the 19th, will enjoy eternity together. Both will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.
