Marcus B. George

Marcus B. George, 86, of Little Rock, passed away August 17, 2010. Born in New Braunfels, Texas on September 16, 1923, the son of Hollis and Hedwig Engel George, he was a United States Army Air Forces veteran of WWII and a member of Pulaski Heights Baptist Church. Preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Karen D'Abadie, he is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ruby Wiley George; sister, Marcie Hofheinz and husband, Will of New Braunfels; daughter, Susan Gonzalez of Irving, Texas; son, Mark George and wife, Dena of Little Rock; and grandchildren, Alicia Gonzalez of New York City, Michael Gonzalez of Irving, Katherine D'Abadie of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kristine Bryant and husband, Sterling of Austin, Texas, Kimberly D'Abadie of Nashville, Tennessee, Jennifer D'Abadie of Austin, Texas, McKenna George and Tessa George, both of Little Rock; and nephew, David Hofheinz of Dickinson, Texas. From 1968-1974, Marcus was co-owner and editor of the Arkansas Democrat. Following its sale, he became president of Arkansas Television which owned KTHV-TV Channel 11, from which he retired after twenty years. He served on many charitable and civic boards over the years, but was most proud of his involvement with the Rotary, serving as President of Downtown Rotary Club 99 in 1979-80 and as Rotary International Governor, District 6150 in 1982-83. He was a Paul Harris Fellow. Marcus also served as President of Sigma Delta Chi, Society of Professional Journalists. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of Parkway Healthcare for the loving and compassionate care given to their loved one. Services will be held on Saturday, August 21 at 11 a.m. at Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, 2200 Kavanaugh Blvd., officiated by Dr. Randy Hyde. The family will greet friends at the church following the service. Burial will take place early next week at Cranes Mill Cemetery in New Braunfels, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heifer International, Pulaski Heights Baptist Church or to a charitable organization of one's choice. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., Little Rock, (501) 224-2200. Mr. George's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.