George Newell Whiting September 17, 1927 - December 3, 2016 Greensboro George Whiting lived a good life in the ways that mattered. He adored his family, served his country, never missed a chance to sing and dance, and ended each conversation with friend and neighbor the same way: He'd take their hand and say, "You are my favorite" because that's how deeply he cared for all who graced his life. George passed away on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016, after a brief illness. He was at home and at peace, thankful to God until the end for His many blessings. There surely was a smile on his heart, too, still beaming from seeing his beloved Chicago Cubs win the World Series. He was 89. George was born on Sept. 17, 1927, in Racine, WI, and left home at age 17 to join the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a veteran of World War II, and then served in the Reserves during the Korean War. He attended college briefly after military service, but decided to leave for work and training at the famed Drake Hotel in Chicago, training that led to his eventual calling – managing country clubs and giving folks a place for fun and fellowship. What a fit! Big G, one of many terms of endearment for which he was known, had a gift for making conversation with everyone from CEOs to the cooks in the kitchen. His passion for excellence inspired his coworkers to do their best, a gift that marked his career, and life. George's North Carolina roots were planted for good while stationed at Camp Lejuene. That's when he arranged a date with the former Jean Mills Berry, a nurse from Durham. They were married on Jan. 26, 1952, in Durham, and shared a wonderful life for nearly 50 years. Jean passed away in 2001. George managed the Carolina Country Club in Raleigh for many years, earning a respected role in the industry, and served as president of the Carolinas chapter of the Club Managers Association of America. He retired from the club in the early 1980s and moved to Atlantic Beach, making many friends, and enjoying many adventures. He moved to Greensboro over 25 years ago, working in consulting before managing the Greensboro City Club until his retirement. However, that was merely a professional retirement, because he stayed energetic and spry well into his final years. He loved gardening and was handy at masonry, taking delight in building patios and walkways wherever his children were living at the time. He had an artistic side, both acting and painting. He loved to belt out solos, especially at family weddings, his beautiful tenor filling the hall. On the dance floor, he was often the first, and always the best dancer. Needless to say, the grandkids were the joy of his life. He kept a baseball glove in the trunk of his car, in case someone wanted to play catch. He is survived by two children – George "Pete" Whiting Jr. and his wife, Judy, of Charlotte, and Arthur Whiting of Sao Paulo, Brazil; three siblings – Helen Botsford of Muskego, WI, William Whiting of Monroe Township, NJ, and Michael Spillum and his wife, Lynne, of Clayton, MI; six grandchildren – Devin Whiting, Meleah Febles and her husband, Freddy, Kellen Wilson and her husband, Thomas, Lyndle Toth and her husband, Joey, George Whiting III and Mills Whiting; and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his best friend, Steve Rockwood of Greensboro, and by his fiancée, Peggy Schesny of Greensboro. George and Peggy met several years ago at Irving Park United Methodist Church, where they were members, each a blessing and joy to the other. George was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Frances Johnson Whiting; and his beloved wife, Jean Mills Berry. A service to celebrate his life will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, Dec. 17 at Irving Park United Methodist Church, 1510 W. Cone Blvd. in Greensboro. The family will greet friends afterward at the church. A gift in George's memory can be made to Irving Park United Methodist Church. The family is deeply grateful for the love and care shown to George by Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro. They don't make them like George Whiting anymore, a man whose singular humanity is perhaps expressed by this lost trait: He kept nice stationery so he could put ink to paper, writing letters regularly to the people he cared about, and expecting them to write him back. His list of friends and loved ones was long. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Triad Cremation Society & Chapel 2110 Veasley Street Greensboro NC 27407.