Larry William George of Centralia, Ill., died on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon, Ill. He was born on Sept. 23, 1947, in Corinth, Miss., the son of J.R. and Helen Mae (Patters) George.
He was of the Christian faith.
He trained in the U.S. Marine Corps and was entered into the U.S. Army. He was a “tunnel rat,” proudly serving his country during the Vietnam War.
He was involved with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Willows, and volunteered at a Willows food pantry.
He retired in 2016 after being a truck driver for his whole life. He was a driver for Watkins Trucking Company in Memphis, Tenn., for many years.
He recently moved to Centralia, Ill., to live with his daughter. He formerly lived in Willows.
He married Linda Gail Cox in May of 1998. She preceded him in death, dying on March 23, 2017.
He was completely devoted to his late wife and family.
Memories of Larry George are cherished by his son, Michael Lee Tunnell and wife Tamela of Decatur, Ill.; daughter, Darlene Flanigan and significant other Shawn Richards of Centralia, Ill.; grandchildren, Donald Gordon, Jr., Deana Tunnell, Joy Livesay, Evejo Gordon, Eric Tunnell, Aaron Gordon, and Hannan Smith and husband Onis; 20 great-grandchildren; sister, Tujuannah Patrick and Charles of Garland, Texas; and half-brother, Shane George of California.
In addition to his loving wife of 18 years, he was preceded in death by his parents, J.R. George and Helen George; daughter, Linda Kay Simmons; granddaughter, Alicia Marie Tunnell; brother, Tommy George; and sister, Teresa George.
It was the wishes of Larry William George to leave this world quietly, with no public visitation or service. The family plans to have private services at a later date in Shiloh National Military Park in Shiloh, Tenn.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Centralia Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 2055 in Centralia, Ill., and may be received by the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home at 134 South Elm Street in Centralia, IL 62801.
Please view the online obituary, send condolences, or share memories with Larry George’s family at http://www.moranfuneralhome.net.
The Glenn County Observer 