Ruby Lee George

Ruby Lee George, 88, of Little Rock, passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2014. She was born in Beaumont, Texas to Cleveland O. Wiley and Inez Youngblood Wiley and was a member of Pulaski Heights Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 65 years, Marcus B. George, daughter, Karen D'Abadie, sisters, Margaret Wickkiser and Beatrice Ellis, and brothers, C.O. Wiley Jr. and Herbert Wiley. She is survived by her daughter, Susan Gonzalez, of Irving, Texas; son, Mark George and wife, Dena of Little Rock; sister, Dorothy Wallace Miller of Conroe, Texas; best friend, Rosie Dunham of Little Rock; grandchildren, Alicia Gonzalez of New York City, Michael Gonzalez of Irving, Katherine D'Abadie of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kristine Bryant (Sterling) of Austin, Texas, Kimberly D'Abadie of Nashville, Tennessee, Jennifer D'Abadie of Austin, McKenna George and Tessa George, both of Little Rock; and great-grandson, Jackson Bryant of Austin. Also surviving are her former son-in-law, Justin D'Abadie; brother-in-law, Red Wickkiser of Vancouver, Washington; sister-in-law, Marcie Hofheinz (Will) of Dickerson, Texas; and eight nieces and nephews. Ruby George was a loving mother, a devoted member of her church and an unselfish contributor to the community. To all of her endeavors she brought a boundless energy and a quick and playful sense of humor. Many of the youth in the Heights and Hillcrest neighborhoods during the 1960's and 70's were taught to swim by her. In her church, she volunteered in numerous activities, including the Young At Hearts Group. She was proud to have participated with her husband in many of the programs of the Downtown Rotary Club 99 and was made a Paul Harris Fellow in 1982. Although she traveled to locations around the world, in recent years she enjoyed sitting on the deck of her condo on Lake Hamilton or her home overlooking the Arkansas River and having an afternoon glass of wine. Her enthusiasm for life will be missed. The family would like to thank Drs. Silvoso, Rector, Burnett, Shuffield and Searcy for their care during her hospitalization. We especially thank the amazing and compassionate staff and nurses in the SICU at Baptist Hospital. Services will be held on Saturday, January 25 at 2 p.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. Interment will take place at Cranes Mill Cemetery in New Braunfels, Texas on Tuesday, January 28 at 11 a.m. Memorials may be made to Pulaski Heights Baptist Church or Garvan Woodland Gardens, 550 Arkridge Rd., Hot Springs, Ark. 71913. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501) 224-2200. Mrs. George's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.