01/24/16 — GEORGE COLLINS JEFFREYS

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GEORGE COLLINS JEFFREYS

March 2, 1925-Jan. 20, 2016

George Collins Jeffreys, 90, Goldsboro, died Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016.

Born March 2, 1925, in Goldsboro, N.C., to Robert Alexander and Thelma Collins Jeffreys, George was the oldest of four children.

He attended St. Mary School and Oak Ridge Military Academy.

After serving in the Pacific in the United States Army in World War II, George Jeffreys returned home to work with his father.

George and his wife of 51 years, Lucy, had three children and seven grandchildren.

In 1968, Mr. Jeffreys became president of Jeffreys Beer and Wine. The business, now known as R.A. Jeffreys Distributing Co., was established in 1923, and is the oldest Anheuser-Busch distributor in North Carolina, and is among the oldest family-owned distributorships in the nation.

George Jeffreys received the Anheuser-Busch Dimensions of Excellence Award multiple times.

Mr. Jeffreys was a well-respected entrepreneur, and contributed to many worthwhile endeavors, both locally and statewide, including schools, scouts, churches and other community organizations.

In 2012, the Tuscarora Council of the Boy Scouts of America presented George Jeffreys with its Distinguished Service Award.

He was a lifelong member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.

George Jeffreys is survived by his wife, Lucy; a sister, Thelma ("Ducky") Harrell; his children, daughter, Leigh and husband, Paul Fanning, son, Robert Jeffreys, and daughter, Ellen and husband, Will Bland; seven grandchildren, Jeff and Lucy Bland, Lexi and Graysen Jeffreys and Collins, Georgia and Zadoc Fanning; and many more beloved nieces, nephews, in-laws and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two of his sisters, Barbara ("Bobbie") Gotherman and Lucy Elliott.

Family graveside services will be held at Willowdale Cemetery in Goldsboro, with the Rev. Gene Carpenter presiding.

Memorial donations may be made to the Thelma Collins Jeffreys Scholarship Fund, c/o The Wayne Community College Foundation, 3000 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, N.C., 27534, or St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 200 N. James St., Goldsboro, N.C., 27530.

The kindnesses of friends, family, caretakers and business associates are gratefully acknowledged.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.

(Pd)

Published in Obituaries on January 24, 2016 12:06 PM