George Russell Smalley

George Russell Smalley, 89, of Ohiopyle, passed peacefully into heavenly rest surrounded by loving family on October 29. He was predeceased by his loving wife Nellie (Lambie); his parents, the late Frederick G. and Laura (Watson) Smalley; four brothers, Roy, James, Fred, and Clyde; and an infant sister, Sylvia. He was the inspirational leader, consummate story teller, and beloved patriarch to his family, including his five children: George, Jr. (Rusty), wife Vicki (Hopwood, PA), Richard, wife Darlene (Aiken, SC), Robert, wife Laurie (Ohiopyle, PA), Teresa Christman, husband Dennis (Ohiopyle), and Mary Simon (Campobello, SC). His is survived by 11 grandchildren: Grant (Weathford, TX); Jeremy (Holly, Roanoke, VA), Rachel Henne (Austin, New Market, MD), Melanie Charlton (Trey, Arnold, MD), Jonathan (Grace, Denver, CO); Matthew Smalley (Anna, Reston, VA), Jennifer Gregor (Jared, Uniontown, PA), Tiffany Hostetler (Shon, Ohiopyle), Catherine Davis (Dustin, Somerset, PA); Stephanie Simon (Campobello, SC), Jacob Simon (Clemson, SC). He was also predeceased by daughter-in-law, Jackie, and son-in-law Jim Simon whom he cherished as his own. In his golden years, he delighted in adventures with his 8 great-grandchildren, especially touring them around his farm. There are many in the extended family, church, and community that he embraced warmly as “grafted” into the family.

Mr. Smalley was a devoted Christian his whole life and, most recently, attended and served as elder in Cherry Tree Alliance Church. He served as a combat infantryman in the U.S. Army in Korea, providing leadership that led to recognitions including the Presidential Unit Citation. Upon return from Korea, he founded the George R. Smalley Company, and later the Building Systems Company of Hopwood. In addition to leadership in military, church, and business, Mr. Smalley served his community as a member of the Uniontown School Board, the board of the Fayette Vocational Technical School, and as Chairman of the Intermediate Unit for his region. Locally, he led the effort to establish the community center in the Ohiopyle school.

Friends will be received in DONALD R. CRAWFORD FUNERAL HOME OF FARMINGTON, PA, on Friday, November 1, 2019 from 2 to 8 p.m.; and Saturday November 2nd at the Cherry Tree Alliance Church, Cherry Tree Lane, Uniontown from 10 to 11 a.m., the hour of service with Rev. David Goodin officiating. Interment will follow at Bryner Ridge Cemetery, Middle Ridge Road near Ohiopyle.

The family wants to express their sincerest appreciation to Diane Humbert for her compassionate care and invaluable guidance. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cherry Tree Alliance Church, or Bryner Ridge Cemetery, P. O. Box 1076, Hopwood, PA 15445

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George Russell Smalley, please visit our floral store.