George W. Woodcock, 89, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, peacefully passed away Tuesday, September 24, 2019, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
He was born April 13, 1930, in Brownsville, Kentucky, the son of Melittia (VanMeter) and George Washington Woodcock, Sr. After graduating Brownsville High School, George entered the U.S. Army. He served our country from 1947 through 1948. From 1952 until 1953 George served in Korea as a Lt. in the 45th Division 180th Infantry Regiment.
Upon his return, he enrolled at Western Kentucky University for undergraduate courses and continued his education at the University of Kentucky graduating with a law degree. George started his law practice in Morgantown, Kentucky. In 1957 he moved to Mt. Carmel, Illinois, forming a law practice as McGaughey, McGaughey, Henry and Woodcock. In March of 1962 George opened his own law practice. He was a member of the Illinois Bar Association and Kentucky Bar Association.
At this point, he also began being actively involved in politics. George was elected State’s Attorney of Wabash County and served from 1968 through 1972. In 1972 and 1976 he was elected delegate to the Republican National Convention. In 1972, George was elected President of the Illinois Republican’s County Chairman’s Association, and in 1974, he was elected to be a State Member of the Illinois Republican State Central Committee. George ran for and was elected Mayor of Mt. Carmel. He served four terms, 1979 to 1986 and 1995 to 2003, starting the drive to build a new bridge over the Wabash River.
On July 4, 1979, George married Marcia Hudson. They celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this year. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church.
For 50 years George was a member of the following organizations: The Brotherhood Protective Order of the Elks Lodge 715, where he served as Exalted Ruler, The American Legion, serving as Past Commander of the Mt. Carmel Post, The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Shriner’s International Ainad Temple and Wabash Valley Shrine Club and The Washington Meredith Masonic Lodge in Brownsville, Kentucky. He was a member of Mt. Carmel Eagles Club.
He served as a member of The Rotary Club and Kiwanis Club in Mt. Carmel, was the original organizer for the booster’s club at Wabash Valley College and one of the four members who was instrumental in starting Little League Football in Mt. Carmel. In addition, George served as Director for The First National Bank of Allendale for 30 years and Director and Vice-President for the Bank of Edmonson County for over 40 years.
Left to cherish George’s memory is his wife of 40 years, Marcia; children, Margaret Nell Woodcock, Marilynn Woodcock Bader and her husband, Mark and George W. Woodcock, III and his wife Pam, all of Mt. Carmel; grandchildren, Jeremy Scott Bader, Jennifer (John) Adams, Katie Potts, Nathan (Amy) Woodcock, Hannah (Jon) Jent, Jordan Woodcock and MacKenzie (Sebastian) Price; great-grandchildren, Grace, Emma, John Lee and Addison Adams, Wyatt and Xander Bader, Mason and Aubrey Potts, Stella, Scarlett and Sophia Woodcock, Isabella, Ava and Georgia Jent, Harlow, Eloise and Ivy Price; siblings, Helen Edwards, Alma Chapman and Scottie (Ethel) Woodcock; and, Margaret (Peet) Woodcock, the mother of his children.
George was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Edward George Woodcock and Barbara Woodcock Donahue.
Funeral services for George will be held Monday, September 30, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 512 N. Mulberry Street, Mt. Carmel, Illinois. Entombment will be at Highland Memorial Cemetery.
Friends and family are welcome for a visitation Sunday, September 29, 2019, from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Short Funeral Home, 527 N. Mulberry Street, Mt. Carmel, Illinois. A Masonic service will be at 6:00 p.m.
Memorials may be given in George’s memory to the USAMV (provides clothing and equipment for the Mt. Carmel Honor Guard) or the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com
Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve George’s family.
