George Harrison Keeling, 81, of 709 Turkey Trot Drive, Thomasville, GA passed peacefully in his sleep on the morning of May 8, surrounded by his family and caregivers after a slow decline in health.

George was born to Dorothy Cornelia Plemmons Keeling and Orville Krome Keeling of Asheville, NC on August 26, 1939. He was a 1957 graduate of Lee H. Edwards High School in Asheville; and afterwards, he went on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from University of Louisville in Kentucky.

George began his family with his first wife and the mother of his children, Gail Snyder Keeling Swan (82) of Salisbury, NC and was also preceded in death by their son, Mark Keeling (56) and daughter Kimberly Keeling Robinson (52) both of Salisbury, NC. He also leaves behind his beloved Marjorie Clark Keeling, whom he married in 2000. "Margie" is originally from Jacksonville, Florida.

George worked in chemical sales for over 40 years. He also worked with Hilti, one of the companies who helped to restore downtown Asheville in the early 1980's. His last position, was as a sales representative for A.H. Robbins. He retired shortly after this to live in the rural, peaceful area outside of Pavo with Margie and manage their pecan farm, be with their friends, and care for their parents. Later, they moved to Thomasville, GA.

George enjoyed traveling and living all over the Eastern US, meeting clients and people everywhere he went. George knew no strangers and found something positive and something humorous in about every situation. He will leave a tremendous hole in the hearts and lives of who knew him well.

George loved the sun, the beach, the outdoors, and his yardwork; but mostly, he loved his family, his children, and his animals. He was known in Thomasville for his special connection with the Rotary Club particularly Interact, as he was chosen for the Avenues of Service Citation in 2013; and also received Rotarian of the Year for 2012-2013 for District 6900.

The Keeling family would like to share a special thanks to the Lewis-Hall Singletary Oncology Center, Bethany Hospice and Palliative Care, and to their wonderful caregivers and physicians for their unwavering care and support over the years. Due to the current circumstances of social distancing, a private graveside service will be held for the family on Tuesday afternoon May 12 at Enon Baptist Church. A larger Celebration of Life will be held in the Fall in Asheville, NC where George was born and raised.

Please send donations to the Archbold Foundation, Lewis-Hall Singletary Oncology Center in Thomasville in lieu of flowers.