On June 5, 2020, George William Rafferty, age 85, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Edna (Hensley) Rafferty; brothers, Dale and Denzil; and sisters, Alma, Mary and Madeline. Also preceding him in death was his loving wife of 50 years, Juanita (Joy) Rafferty and daughter, Mona Emma Rafferty; and grandchildren, Daniel Ray Bachtel and Alisha Kay Warren.
He is survived by sister, Alice Rafferty-Bush and loving wife of eight years, Marilyn Collins Rafferty; also his children, Leila Christian (Brad) Heinz, Eva (Clyde) Bachtel, Melissa (Glen) Blain, Bill (Sarah) Rafferty, and David (Andrea) Rafferty. Also grandchildren, Leala, Matthew, Jamin (Christian), Susan, Bill, Johnny, Heather (McBride), Lindsay (Blain), Ariel, George, Will, Casey, Isaac, Luke (Rafferty), Aislynn, Noah (Rafferty) and many great-grandchildren whom he dearly loved.
George was a member of Allen Chapel Church. He was a wonderful example of what a husband, father, and grandfather should be and could always be depended on by his family. George was a veteran of the U.S. Army and worked his entire life in the timber industry. He never failed to tell it like it was. He was honest, hard-working and always kept his word. George would always take time for family and friends making wonderful memories. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Funeral services will be held at the Mayhew-Brown Funeral Home on Monday, June 8 at 4 p.m., with Pastor Travis Potts officiating. Burial, with military honors provided by Jackson Chapter 45, Disabled American Veterans, will follow at Bethel Ridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service, starting at 2 p.m.
Due to COVID-19 recommendations from the Ohio Department of Health and the Jackson County Health Department, the wearing of masks and proper social distancing is highly encouraged. Funeral arrangements are by the Mayhew-Brown Funeral Home in Jackson. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mayhew-brownfuneralhome.com