George Aiken

Services for George F. Aiken, Sr., 85 of Tyler, will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2007 at 10:00 AM at Stewart Family Funeral Home with Dr. Bob Mayfield officiating. Burial will follow in the Flint Cemetery in Flint under direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Mr. Aiken passed, Wednesday, July 11, 2007 at the UT Health Center in Tyler. He was born June 26, 1922 in Anderson, SC to the late George Riley and Eula (Richey) Aiken. George was a local resident of Tyler and the Gresham area most of his life. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Gresham. On July 17, 1942 he married the love of his life, Rivie Lee "Ruby" Cope in Harlingen, TX. During World War II he received the American Defense Service Medal while serving his country as a United States Army Master Sergeant. George later went on to work for the Tyler Independent School District for 25 years and retired in 1978 as a Maintenance Supervisor. He was known as a good provider and loving husband, father, and grandfather. Mr. Aiken was preceded in death by his parents; son, George "Butch" Aiken, Jr. George is survived by his loving family including his wife of 65 years, Rivie "Ruby" Aiken; four daughters, Carolyn Rice and husband David of Lake City, CO, Pam Steinbeck and husband Greg of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Tina Saxon and husband Mack of Tyler, and Karla Hutchinson and husband Joe of Tyler; son, William Aiken and wife Bess of Garland; fifteen grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; and beloved sister, Edna McGrew of Myrtle Beach, SC. Pallbearers will be Joey Aiken, Joseph William Aiken, Brian Aiken, Aaron Aiken, Chad Brantley, Keith Rice, and Matt Cooper. Honorary Pallbearers will be Willie Austin. The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 PM Friday, July 13, 2007, at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Hwy., Tyler, Texas 75703. Memorials in honor of George may be made to Hospice Of East Texas; 4111 University Blvd, Tyler 75702. Special thanks and love to Tina and Karla for giving unselfishly of their time in caring for their dad. For more information or to express condolences, visit www.stewartfamilyfuneral.com.

George Aiken

June 26, 1922 - July 11, 2007