Ronald Lee George, Sr.

Ronald Lee George, Sr., 80, passed away in Raleigh, North Carolina on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, after a lengthy illness.

Ron was born May 14, 1945, in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania to John and Mary Lou George. He grew up in Ohio, where he was a standout athlete in football, basketball, and golf at Elyria Catholic High School. His talents earned him a scholarship as quarterback for the University of Cincinnati football team. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in business in 1967, he taught and coached before becoming a sales representative for Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc. textbook publishers. For over three decades, he led sales efforts for the company, earning him status in the Million Dollar Club. He also was a valued mentor to younger employees, bringing them into the business and helping them achieve. The company tapped him for sales and management leadership roles in five states.

While he worked and lived in the Southeast region, Ron was highly regarded for his golf game. In Stone Mountain, Georgia, he was a long-time, active member of the Stone Mountain Golf Club, where he proudly carried a ten handicap.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Jeanne Jenkins Maddox George, who he married in 1972. He also is survived by his son Dr. Ronald Lee George, Jr., MD, PhD, and his wife Jennifer, and their three children: Ella, Luke, and Nate of Wilmington, North Carolina. He also is survived by his sister-in-law Molly George, Huron, Ohio.

Survivors also include his wife's family Dr. Tom Smith Maddox, Sr. MD, (Jackie) of Owensboro, Kentucky; Sherrianne Maddox Standley of Evansville, Indiana; Dr. James G. Maddox, DMD (Alice) of Trent Woods/New Bern, North Carolina; and John Mark Maddox, Sr. (Judy) of Owensboro, Kentucky. He also is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, John George; and his brother-in-law, Barry L. Standley.

A funeral Mass will be offered on Saturday, June 28, at 1:30 p.m. at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, 715 Nazareth Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. A Celebration of Ron's life will follow at the Parish Center on the Cathedral campus.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Mary Anna Jenkins Maddox Music Scholarship for Women at Murray State University, c/o Murray State University Foundation, Office of Development, 200 Heritage Hall, Murray, KY 42071 (murraystate.edu) or to a favorite charity.

Condelences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com.