George Ellis Faithful (“Sr.”) strayed far from home but always came back. Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, on June 9, 1950, he was the son of Robert William Faithful III and Ruth Jane Cassels Faithful, younger brother of Robert “Bob” IV and twin brother of Fred. After graduating from Bridgeport High School, he briefly attended Wheeling Jesuit University before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. He served for twenty years, working his way through college at Kent State University, Officer Training School, and graduate school, retiring at the rank of major. Along the way, he was stationed in Alaska, Montana, California, Alaska (again), Michigan, Ohio (where he was USAF ROTC Commandant at Bowling Green State), Wyoming, and Alaska (one last time). Along the way, he got married and became the father of son George Jr. and daughter Shannon.

For several years, they settled in Oregon, but eventually heeded the call to return to be closer to family. George flew home and, within the span of a few months, he’d joke, “went from being the lowest paid person to the highest paid person” in the local employment office in Cambridge, Ohio. The man loved to drive and, in his words, it was “just down the road” from Bridgeport. From branch manager, he rose to work in the central office of what became known as the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services in Columbus.

After serving the state of Ohio for twenty years, George trained to be a Tai Chi instructor and then a licensed massage therapist. He cared for his parents in their final years, first in their home, a season of life when he logged many miles to Bridgeport, even by his standards. He then took his mother into his own home and served as her constant caregiver during her last years. George’s life’s passion was helping others. He loved movies, music, and the company of friends. Many new acquaintances misremembered his last name as “Friendly.”

George died quietly in his sleep on February 21, 2025. He is survived by son George Jr., daughter Shannon (USAF Lt. Col. ret.), and grandchildren Penelope, Gustavo, and Zoe.

A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held at 11:30am on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the First Christian Spiritualist Church, 77 S. Sixth St., Columbus, Ohio 43215.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the veterans M.A.S.H. Pantry of Grove City, Ohio. Or give to a trustworthy friend in need. And if you cannot find someone, go make more friends. That’s what George always tried to do.

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