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William ‘George’ Waddell

William “George” Waddell celebrated his 86th birthday by going home to be with his Lord on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2012.

George was born Aug. 23, 1926, in Grayson County, Va., to Charlie Houston Waddell and Rosa Lee Walton Waddell. He was married to Mattie Weaver Waddell who preceded him in death on Jan. 10, 1997.

George was also preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Ray Waddell; and six sisters, Vestie Testerman, Hattie Emerson, Jincy Testerman, Kate Blevins, Pauline Walker and Grace Sheetz.

He is survived by one daughter, Betty Waddell Parsons and husband, Tim, of the Helton community; one sister, Kay Hart of Georgetown, Pa.; one grandson, Isaac Parsons and wife, Heather Howell Parsons, of the Helton community; and one great granddaughter, Caroline Noelle Parsons, also of the Helton community; and several nieces and nephews.

George was the next to the youngest of nine children. His father passed away when George was 12 years old. This forced George to quit school and work for 10 cents a day on the Perkins farm in the Helton community in order to help support his mother and sisters still at home.

George spent most of his life as a farmer. At various times raising black Angus cattle, tobacco, sheep and dairy cattle. George loved life to the fullest and had a great sense of humor. Many stories have been shared of him as being a prankster growing up.

He had a great talent of playing baseball. In the late 1940s, he played on the Helton baseball team in the Mountain Baseball League that consisted of several community teams in Ashe County. The Helton team won several championships. Many have commented through the years what a great short-stop George was.

Another interest George had was his hunting dogs, fox dogs and beagles. He loved to take them hunting and to talk and trade dogs with his hunting buddies.

George was also excited about the fact that for the last few months he was the oldest residing resident living in the Helton community.

George loved his church and all its members. Throughout his life he served the church in many capacities, one of the last helping to keep the church yard mowed.

He still mowed lawns, gardened and was even helping to build a fence on the farm. He still kept his independence by driving and living alone.

George was a quiet, gentle soul and was loved by all who knew him. He was always available to help his neighbors, family and friends in any way he could. He always showed love, concern and compassion for all.

George loved his family and talked of all of them frequently and kept up with activities, events and concerns that were affecting their lives.

In the latter part of his life he had two great loves - his grandson Isaac Parsons and his great-granddaughter Caroline Parsons. His eyes would light up when he saw them or was talking about them.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28, at the Helton United Methodist Church with burial following in the Helton Community Cemetery. Visitation was Monday, Aug. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Badger Funeral Home.

The funeral service was conducted by the Rev. Tommy McClure, the Rev. Casey McKenna, and the Rev. Peter Parish. Music and songs were provided by Allison Sullivan, Dorothy Testerman, Linda Young and Glenn Sullivan with David VanHoy playing the bagpipes at the cemetery. Pallbearers were George’s nephews that were able to attend: Roger Blevins, Buddy Emerson, Steven Emerson, Rex Emerson, Mark Emerson, Larry Sheetz, Charles Testerman, Norman Testerman, Ralph Testerman, John Testerman and Jerry Testerman. Memories were shared by several friends and family members.

The grave was prepared by several friends, neighbors, and relatives.

George’s son-in-law, Tim Parsons, and grandson, Isaac Parsons, built the coffin out of pine and lined it with white satin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Helton Community Cemetery, c/o Betty Parsons, 15125 NC Hwy 194 N, Lansing, NC 28643.

Happy Birthday, George.

Badger Funeral Home in West Jefferson was in charge of arrangements.