Anthony Ray George

Anthony Ray George will be remembered by all who knew him as someone who was larger than life, someone who filled a room with his presence the moment he entered. 

With his Kentucky twang and quick wit, he could make everyone laugh with his one-liners. 

A consummate BBQ guru, he fed hundreds under the tailgate tent and in his backyard with his ribs, brisket, pulled pork, “pig shots” and bacon candy. 

He grew up on a family farm in Southern Illinois, and he was convinced drinking from the hose and eating his sisters’ mud pies helped him stay healthy and happy. 

He made sure he always lived within a few miles of open fields so he could watch the crops grow.

He loved working with people, from selling farm equipment, to helping franchisees develop their Dippin’ Dots businesses, to helping clients find their perfect car or their dream home. Customers soon became friends. Friends became family. Anthony never met a stranger.

At the age of 42, he married Kim George and became the best bonus dad to her two sons, Andy and Jonathan McAllister. 

Because he knew it was important to the boys, he learned how to fish, bought kayaks, played basketball in the driveway, attended all their games and band competitions and even taught them how to grill and how to use professional photography equipment. 

He loved his family in Southern Illinois and Southeastern Missouri. He is survived by his mother, Virginia George; two sisters, Annette Shoulders and Jennifer Bopp; aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews whom he loved to take to the Cameron Park Zoo when they came to visit Uncle Anthony. He was preceded in death by his father, Preston George; and his sister, Malesa Talmage.

Anthony Ray George passed away at the age of 55.

There will be a local celebration of life service that will be announced later.

Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak is assisting the family with local arrangements.