George Robertson

George Reuben Robertson, age 85, died on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 after a period of declining health, at Smoky Mountain Health and Rehabilitation Center. He and his twin sister, Dorothy Hope Romanchuk, were born December 22, 1926, in Canton, North Carolina, to the late William Hillman Robertson and Sarah Rebekah Leisher Robertson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers; Charles, William, Andrew, Albert, and Thomas Robertson; and two sisters, Marie Allen and Esther Crawford. George graduated from Canton High School and served his country by joining the United States Army during World War II. . He served in World War II in the E.T.O. with the 42nd Infantry Division and the 3rd Military Government Regiment. He remained with the Army Reserve and National Guard attending O.C.S. in 1954, obtaining the rank of Major. George served with 130th Signal Company and the 211th M.P. Company and retired in 1986. Continuing in the family tradition, he retired from Champion International in 1993 after 47 years of employment and was as a member of the Champion Old Timers Club. George was a lifelong member of Canton Presbyterian Church where he served in many capacities: soloist, violinist, deacon, treasurer and elder. He led a full life traveling in Europe and Asia, and enjoyed photography, fine wines and historical studies. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Hazel Blanche Franklin Robertson; three sons, Merrill Robertson and twin sons, Donald and David Robertson; a sister, Dorothy Romanchuk of Green Bay, Wisconsin; and a brother, James Robertson of Weaverville. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 16, 2012 at Canton Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Esta Jarrett officiating. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Canton Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 190 Main Street, Canton, NC 28716.

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