The Rev. Ronald Ray George, Sr., 85, a resident of Mabie, passed away Monday, March 29, 2010, in Davis Memorial Hospital.  He was born October 19, 1924, at Valley Bend, WV, a son of the late Edward and Mabel (McGee) George.
    On July 15, 1946, he was married to Ruby Jane (Watson) George, who survives.  They had celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary last year.
    Also, surviving are two daughters, Linda Darlene Ryan of Mabie, WV (and formerly of Brandywine, WV) and Carla Jane Combs and husband, Scott of Brandywine, WV; two sons, Ronald Ray George, Jr. of Mabie and James Edward George and wife Ruby of Mill Creek, WV; one son-in-law, Jerry Helmick of Mabie, WV.  Three brothers, Edward "Junior" George and wife, Jeanette, of Cassity, WV; Everette George and wife, Patricia, of Mabie, WV and Donald George and wife, Kay, of Buckhannon, WV; Four sisters, Margaret Johnson and husband, David, of Ohio; Phyllis Zirkle of Belington, WV; Harriet Wiseman of Mabie, WV and Wanda Watson and husband, Tom of Ohio; one sister-in-law, Geneva George of Cassity, WV; and 15 grandchildren, 39 grest-grandchildren, 14 great-great grandchilren and several neices and nephews and dearly loved in-laws, also survive.
    Also, preceding him in death were a daughter, Sandra Joyce Helmick; one son Victor Dale George; one brother, Thomas George; one sister, Ruby George and one grandchild, five great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
    In May 1943, at the age of 19, Mr. George was drafted into the U.S. Army where he earned a "Sharp Shooter" medal.  He  took part in many battles and campaigns, such as Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes and Rhineland.  Ronald was awarded numerous decorations and citations in World War II, such as Good Conduct Medal, Victory Ribbon, French Foragers and the Purple Heart, which he received for frost bite, while fighting on the front line in the European Theatre in Germany, in 1944.  He was honorably discharged in 1945, as a private first class in Company B 350th Infantry.
    Ronald went into Ministry and was ordained in 1969 in the Union Mission Conference.  He has preached in many churches, such as the Harrison Community Church, in Mabie, WV, where he was a part-time pastor.  As well as Ellamore Circuit and Free Will Baptist in Beckley, WV, where he lived nearby for several years, in Eccles, WV.
    He was a retired coal miner, where he worked for 20 years.  He was, also, a supervisor of the Lee Norris Mining Equipment Co. of Beckley.
    Friends may call from 6 until 8 pm, Thursday, April 1, at Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins, WV.  On Friday, he will be moved to the Harrson Community Church near Mabie for visitation from 1pm until 2 pm, the funeral hour.  The Rev. Sean Barnett will officiate and interment will follow in Fincham Chapel Cemetary near Adolph, WV.  Full military rites will be accorded at the graveside by the members of the West Virginia National Guard Program, H.W. Daniels Post 29 American Legion andTygart Valley Post 3647 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
    Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Rev. Ronald Ray George, Sr..  Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.