George Lashley

Hancock, Maryland

George E. (June) Lashley, 84, of Hancock, Md., went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 11, 2012.

He passed away at a loved one’s home after a long battle with cancer.

Born July 29, 1927, in Hancock, he was the son of the late George B. and Anna Thompson Lashley. He was born again into the Family of God on July 20, 1969. He married Ruth Irene Boden on March 4, 1950. She passed away October, 2002.

He is survived by two sons; Joseph Lashley, of Hancock, and George A. Lashley, of Needmore, Pa.; two daughters, Rebecca Hess, of Needmore, Pa., and Joyce Shives, of Clear Spring, Md.; 10 grandsons; 2 granddaughters; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two sisters; Bernice R. Balco, and Thelma Bishop; one infant brother; one daughter, Catherine Compton; and one infant grandson.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1946. He was assigned to Battery C. 611 ^th Field Artillery, Battalion, Camp Carson, Colorado. His military specialty was Artillery Basic Training and Gun Crewman, Pack Artillery. He assisted in assembling 75-milimeter packguns in preparation for firing; set firing range on range drums, and target angle of site on angle of site scales; opened and closed breech, and pulled lanyard of fire piece; assisted in maintenance of equipment, such as cleaning and oiling; assisted the stable sergeant in the care and feeding of mules and keeping the stable clean. He worked with 43 mules in the pack.  He was honorably discharged with the rank of T/5.

His first job was with his father, cutting timber the old fashioned way, with a cross-cut saw.

He became a Christian pastor beginning July 20, 1969, until his death. He was a member of the True Church Body of Christ. His first five years of ministry was in the Fulton Bedford County Christian Conference.  He helped organize and build Rosedale Christian Church, in Winchester, Va., where he was the assistant pastor.  The church has since become a college.  He became the pastor of Bethel Independent Church, in Sleepy Creek, W.Va. in 1974, until his death.  He has ministered in retirement homes, home visitations, and through telephone calls, to God's glory.  He loved to bear his cross with the love of God and Jesus. He always would tell you that he loved you, and that he loved everybody. He touched many hearts as he journeyed through life. Even without uttering a word he touched someone. He was loved by so many.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman for souls, first of all. He was a member of Tonoloway Rod and Gun Club, beginning in 1949. He was a member of the NRA. He was a feed deliverer for 17 years, a store manager, and a Constable for Washington County from 1962 to 1966. He worked at Woodmont Rod and Gun Club for 20 years as game keeper, game protector, and grounds manager. In 1973 he was awarded the Forest Conservationist of the year for Maryland. He was also a courier for Hagerstown Trust from 1988 to 2005.  After retirement, he helped his dear friends at the Golden Orchards.

He volunteered as a Little League umpire in his younger years. He enjoyed watching the children play baseball.  He supported the local Little League and High School teams.  He enjoyed passing out tootsie rolls to the children at the games.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 13, 2012, at 11:00 a.m., at the Grove Funeral Home, 141 West Main Street, Hancock, Md. The Rev. Glen Jones will officiate. Burial will be in Rehobeth United Methodist Cemetery, near Hancock.

The family will receive friends, at the Funeral Home, Thursday evening from 5 to 8 p.m.

The family requests that memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Washington County, 747 Northern Ave. Hagerstown, Md. 21740, or the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences will be accepted at www.grovefh.com