George Franklin Wilhoit Sr

Obituary for George Franklin Wilhoit Sr. Conway, SC…George F. Wilhoit, Sr., age 72, passed away peacefully Friday, October 27, 2017 at the Community Living Center at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston. Born in China Grove, NC, he was the son of the late Grady Thomas and Irene (Hinson) Wilhoit. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by 2 sisters; Louise Wilhoit and Maxine (Wilhoit) Cranford, 3 brothers; Charlie Wilhoit, Tommy Wilhoit and Robert Wilhoit, his son-in-law Randy Baird, and 2 grandsons, Jerry Trexler and Noah Baird. Mr. Wilhoit is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Geraldine "Gerri" (Whitley) Wilhoit: 5 children; Janie (Trexler) Fraley and husband Rick of Mt. Gilead, NC, Don Trexler and his wife Linda of Boone, NC, Robbin (Trexler) Baird, Frankie (Wilhoit) Maffett and husband Chris of Charleston, SC and George "Chip" Wilhoit, Jr. and wife Amy of Charleston, SC: 14 grandchildren; Lee Williamson, Eric Williamson, Angie Fulp, Jessie Perritt, Will Trexler, Sam Trexler, Denee Baird, David Jones, Harrison Maffett, Bailey Wilhoit, Whitley Wilhoit, C.J. Wilhoit, Heyward Charles and River Charles: 14 great grandchildren; Dylan Taylor, Kenzie Williamson, Samantha Williamson, Eric Williamson, Jr., Carley Williamson, Lilyann Williamson, Ashlyn Slagle, Josiah Fulp, Desiray Fulp, Landon Perritt, Easton Perritt, Benjamin Trexler, Trinity Johnson and Samuel Johnson. Also surviving are his 4 sisters; Francis Foster, Jean Eudy, Lucille Starnes and Bernice Davis and 2 brothers; Dowd Wilhoit and Bill Wilhoit and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends far and wide. George honorably served in the Army from 1964 to 1969 and was a proud and decorated veteran of the Vietnam War receiving many honors and distinctions. His battle with PTSD later in life reunited him with his veteran brothers and he found healing and growth with the Myrtle Beach PTSD Group. He became very active in Vietnam Veterans of America and was a charter member and Post Commander of Chapter 925 in Conway. He was also a member of the American Legion Horry Post 111, the Kiwanis Club of Conway, and the Disabled American Veterans Grandstrand Chapter 30. He proudly helped with the Horry County Veteran's Memorial and volunteered tirelessly to raise money for countless charities over the years. George's passion for his country and for those who served was second only to the love he had for his family. His family was his pride and joy and nothing made him happier than spending time with the ones he loved. Family was so important that he organized the now famous "Wilhoit Reunion at the Beach" and it is still going strong. In fact, he and Gerri attended the 25th reunion just days before he passed. George gave selflessly to anyone in need and would often do without to ensure that those around him were taken care of. He will forever be remembered for his kindness and generosity……and for telling the corniest jokes known to man. He was a loving husband, dad, paw-paw, brother, uncle and friend to all that knew him. He will be greatly missed. Graveside services will be held at 2:00PM Monday, October 30, 2017 at Hillcrest Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Bob Fogner. The family will receive friends from 12:30PM-1:30PM Monday at Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel.

George Franklin Wilhoit Sr

May 6, 1945 - October 27, 2017