With sadness we share the news of the passing of the Rev. Canon George Poffenbarger II, 84, on February 5, 2015 in Hillsborough, NC.
Born March 26, 1930 in Charleston, West Virginia and a graduate of Episcopal Seminary in Lexington, Kentucky, George is remembered as very tall man with a deep-voiced Southern accent. After his ordination to the priesthood in 1966, he served congregations in West Virginia, then came to the Diocese of Newark in 1973 where he served as Priest Associate at Christ Church, Short Hills (1973-76) and Vicar at Good Shepherd, Hamburg, now known as Good Shepherd, Wantage (1976-85). He also served on Diocesan Council, the Department of Missions and the board of the Episcopal Capital Loan Fund. He was especially active in the Episcopal Camp & Conference Center board and with Eagles' Nest Camp.
After his 12 years in the Diocese of Newark, George served congregations in the Diocese of Northern Michigan until his retirement in 1995. He then moved to the Diocese of North Carolina, where he served as interim at several congregations and helped organize the Chaplains to the Retired Clergy and Clergy Spouses.
George is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sandra Courtney Poffenbarger of Durham, NC; son, Matthew Poffenbarger of Portland OR; daughter, Livia Poffenbarger Kelly of Franklin, NJ; and six grandchildren.
His funeral service was held Saturday, February 7 at St. Matthew’s Church in Hillsborough, NC. Memorial donations may be sent to St. Matthew’s Church, PO Box 628, Hillsborough, NC 27278.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcclurefuneralservice.net.
Good and gracious God, the light of the faithful and shepherd of souls, you sent your servant George to be a priest in your Church to feed your sheep with your word and to guide them by his example; give us the grace to keep the faith he taught and to follow in his footsteps. We entrust him into your unfailing mystery of Love and Hope through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
