George Alan Thwaites, Sr.

George Alan Thwaites, Sr., 90, of Narrows, Va. went to be with the Lord on May 27, 2020 at his home.  George was born on February 3, 1930 in Abington, Pa. and was a son of the late Thomas Sunderland Thwaites and Ruth Ann Johnson.  Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Thomas Thwaites and one sister, Margaret Thwaites Ohlemacher, and his son-in-law Michael Meador.  He was a graduate of Narrows High School, where he earned post-season honors as a tight end under Harry Ragsdale. He was a veteran of the Korean War, having entered the U.S. Air Force shortly following graduation. He served on multiple flight crews in B-29 bombers, C-54 transports and in observation aircraft at the site of atomic H-Bomb tests in the South Pacific. Shortly after completing his term of service, he began a long career with the Appalachian Power Company until his retirement.  He was a natural athlete and a lifelong sportsman, outdoorsman and conservationist who enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, bird watching, golf and skiing, remaining active until late in life. He was a gifted vocalist and soloist, serving in the chancel choir at the First United Methodist Church of Narrows for 60 years. He was a music lover, record collector, painter, fly tyer, model airplane builder and designer, and avid supporter of the Narrows Green Wave and Virginia Tech football.  He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jenny Lynn Gross Thwaites of Narrows, two sons, George Alan Thwaites, Jr. of Princeton, WVa., Eric S. Thwaites and wife Natalie of Pearisburg, one daughter, Barbara T. Meador of Garner, N.C, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.  Graveside funeral services will be conducted Friday, May 29, 2020 at 3 p.m. at Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg with the Rev. Doug Armstrong officiating.  The family will receive friends at the graveside from 2:30 to 3 pm.  In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Narrows.  The family is being served by Givens-Riffe Funeral Service in Narrows, (540) 726-2442, and online at riffefuneralservice.com.

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