Rev. George William Wannamaker

Rev. George William Wannamaker, age 93, of Powder Springs, GA passed away Thursday, June 16, 2016. Funeral Services will be held 3pm Sunday, June 19th at West Cobb Funeral Home and Crematory in Marietta with Dr. Tom Davis officiating. Private burial will take place at 12pm on Monday, June 20th at Melwood Cemetery in Stone Mountain.
In his sophomore year at Wofford College in 1942, George enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps to serve in WWII in New Guinea, the Philippines and Japan. After the war, he returned to Wofford and attained his Bachelor’s Degree. He then attended seminary school at Emory University Candler School of Theology, where he was active in social justice issues. He became a United Methodist Minister in 1951, and married Mary Ruth Nixon Wannamaker in 1952. They served joyfully in 8 churches over 49 years in north Georgia, including St. Luke Methodist, Oconee Street Methodist, Clarkdale Methodist, Chatsworth United Methodist, Trinity United Methodist, Cliftondale United Methodist, Dallas United Methodist and County Line United Methodist Churches.
After retirement, for over 15 years, George and Mary continued to bring services to 4 local assisted care centers every week. He loved to sing favorite songs of the churches he served, including Peace, Peace, Wonderful Peace,” “In the Garden’” and “Above the Hills” (to the tune of “Danny Boy”). George continued to deliver positive messages in his “retired, but active minister” status, through newsletters, talks, and in his treasured email correspondence with his many friends. He spoke of the “original goodness” created in all people, God’s unfailing mercy and grace, and the call to us all to share the same generous spirit with others. He ran dozens of 5K and 10K races, including eight Peachtree Road and five Lullwater Park Race for a Cure races. He won several “medals” for his age category in various races, some of which he was the only runner in that category.
George’s parents were Col. George Wannamaker and Sue Dameron Moore Wannamaker, of St. Matthews, South Carolina, Brunswick, Georgia, and Atlanta, GA. His 2 sisters, Susanne and Helen preceded him in death.
He is greatly loved by his 4 children, Laura Gay, and surviving children, Dawn, Joy, and Noell, 6 beloved grandchildren, Emory McTyre, Zachary McTyre, Dara Satterfield, Whitfield Wannamaker, Arin Satterfield and Moore Wannamaker, 2 great-grandchildren, sons-in-laws Roger Satterfield, Richard McTyre, and daughter-in-law, Lisa Webb Wannamaker, and nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Adult Congenital Heart Association, or to the United Methodist Children’s Home. The family will receive friends Saturday evening, June 18th, from 5pm until 8pm at West Cobb Funeral Home and Crematory, 2480 Macland Road, Marietta. 770-419-9234