George Littell

George Littell was a man who never forgot a face. He made friends everywhere he went, and was beloved by all who knew him. George was such a fun-loving, adventurous man, a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He never forgot a face, yet it is his kindness and generosity we remember best about him today.

George’s story began on a cool spring day in 1917, in the little town of Milltown, Indiana. Those were such turbulent times in this country, which began fighting the costly battles of World War I, affecting every American family in some way. Yet amid those dark days, William and Nora (Cook) Littell found a reason to celebrate, with the birth of a baby boy, a son they named George.

George was joined by five siblings on the family’s one-acre parcel of land, where his father raised chickens and grew vegetables to supplement his job as an electrician. Despite some tough times, George had a wonderful childhood growing up, and was very close to his sisters and brothers. He spent most of his free time fishing in the river running through town, or catching crawdads along the banks. George’s grandfather ran the local mill, and he spent his share of time there, as well.

George also loved music very much as a boy, and his hardworking mother did laundry service in their home to help pay for his first trombone. George became quite an accomplished player, and even played in a band in the roadhouses around the area when he was a teenager. He could have pursued it as a career, but musicians didn’t make much money back in those days.

By the time he reached high school, George had grown into a tall, talented young man, and a great basketball player, too. He played on two state championship teams for his high school, as well.

Sadly, George’s dad died when he was just 16, which affected the family deeply. When he turned 18, George left Milltown, heading north to Ludington, Michigan, in search of better opportunities than his small town offered. It wasn’t long before he found work as a truck driver.

George was an intelligent, hardworking young man, and very industrious, as well. He eventually saved enough to buy several trucks, which he leased back to the Associated Trucking Company, proving an excellent business decision.

In 1959, George left the trucking business for a time, to own and operate the Town Tavern in Ludington. It was a great job for the fun-loving, outgoing George, who never forgot a face and was beloved by every patron who came through his door.

Eventually, the adventurous George missed the thrill of the open road, and sold the tavern in 1963 to go back to trucking. It was his personal life, not his professional, that was about to get more interesting, however.

One day George met a wonderful woman named Joy McDonald, and the sparks really flew between them. The happy couple was married on July 30, 1966, beginning a wonderful life together, a new chapter in George’s life, at 49 years old.

Joy brought two children into the marriage, and George lovingly treated them as his own. George had two children as well from a previous marraige. The couple added two more children together, blending them all into one, big, happy family. George used some of his many connections around town to find Joy a good office job with a friend of his, and they set out to make a great life together.

George was thrilled to become a father and family man, which isn’t to say he ended his adventurous streak. One day he was out in a sailboat on Lake Michigan with a friend of his, when a terrible storm blew in, capsizing their craft and stranding them in open water. They were eventually rescued by the Ludington Ferry, but it was an experience George certainly never forgot!

George’s truck driving career eventually gave way to a position as freight terminal supervisor with the Hooker Motor Freight Company, where he stayed until retiring in 1980. Even after retirement, George took many odd jobs to stay active.

He had plenty to keep him busy, though. George was a man of many talents, and was generous with his skills and his time to his many friends. He and Joy also enjoyed traveling together, or going down to the VFW or DAV to play bingo, which was one of his favorite activities later in life.

In 1995, George’s health began to decline, yet his spirits remained as strong as ever. He enjoyed going to the grocery store, riding around in the electric cart and helping himself to the vegetables in the produce aisles.

He and Joy moved to Holland, Michigan in 2001, to be closer to their family. His health continued to decline, and he was admitted to Holland Hospital in 2007. Even though he was very ill, he encouraged his beloved Joy to get out and go play some bingo, just as they loved doing together. Sadly, George died on Thursday, September 20, 2007, at the age of 90.

George was a wonderful man, who lived a wonderful life, a life so full of family, friends, and fond memories. George made so many great memories over the years, of good times and good friends. He was a man of such great kindness, who never forgot a face. To those lucky enough to know him, George was simply unforgettable. He will be greatly missed.

George is survived by his wife, Joy; a daughter, Suzanne (Phillip) Shilling of Muskegon, sons, Charles (Karen) Littell of Connecticut, Steven (Tonya) Littell of Holland, John (Sue) Silvis of Ludington, Albert (Dorothy) Silvis of Owosso, and George E. Littell of Kansas, a nephew, Mike (Carol) Davis of Nashville, TN. 10 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He was preceded in death by sister, Aleen Davis, Harriet Miller, Ethel Collins, brothers, Earl and Harry Littell. The family will receive friends 10:00AM Wednesday at the Mulder Chapel of Dykstra Life Story Funeral Home, 188 W. 32nd St. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM at the chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of Holland. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to sign the guestbook, or share a memory or photo of George.