The Reverend (Lieutenant Colonel) George E. Ormsbee, 84 of Athens Georgia died suddenly at Athens Regional Hospital on July 23, 2016. Reverend Ormsbee was born on May 4th, 1932 in Plato, Missouri to the late Reverend Claude Ormsbee and Ina Posten Ormsbee. Reverend Ormsbee is survived by his wife Betty McDowell Ormsbee of 62 years of Athens, his brother Marlin Ormsbee and his wife Bettie of San Diego, California; children, Dr. Lindell and Susan Ormsbee of Lexington, Kentucky; Reverend Don and Elizabeth Ormsbee of Gainesville, Georgia; and Georgie and George Bullock of Colbert, Georgia; seven grandchildren, Annie Snow, Jordan Jansen, Kathryn Ormsbee, Jackson Ormsbee, Aubrey Bullock, Kidron Bullock, and Jailie Bullock.
He was a graduate of California Baptist College, New Orleans Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and the Presbyterian School of Christian Education.
Reverend Ormsbee preached for 68 years, pastoring in Missouri, California and Georgia and served 20 years as an active duty US Army Chaplain. While serving in the US military, Reverend Ormsbee help start several Baptist churches in pioneer areas of Nebraska and New Jersey. During his distinguished military career he served in Korea, Nebraska, Panama, Vietnam, Germany, Kentucky, New York, Virginia, and New Jersey. He served with various army divisions including the 1st Division, the 82nd and 101st Airborne, and the Americal Division. He received the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal and was a four-time recipient of the Bronze Star.
After his military career, he faithfully pastored and served churches in Steelville, Missouri; Esther, Missouri; and Glade Baptist Church in Oglethorpe County, where he served for over 15 years. Upon retirement he and Betty remained active in East Athens Baptist Church where he served as Sunday School director and chairman of the deacons. He also served as moderator of the Sarepta Baptist Association and he had a passion for International Friends.
Reverend Ormsbee was a loving husband, father, grandfather, pastor and friend. His passion and love for the Lord was lived and shared with all he met.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Lord and Stephens, East with Rev. Don Ormsbee, Dr. Lindell Ormsbee and Rev. Derek Paul officiating. Graveside services will follow at Athens Memory Gardens with Rev. Ray Wuerzer and Rev. Fabia Magden officiating. The family will receive friends Monday, July 25, 2016 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the funeral home, and Tuesday, July 26, 2016 from 12:30 pm until 2:00 pm.
Lord and Stephens, East is in charge of arrangements.
www.lordandstephens.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George Estel Ormsbee, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.