Reverend Arthur Ray George

Arthur Ray George, affectionately known as, "PJ", 66, was born April 29,1958 in Fitzgerald, GA to Gloria Jean George Walker and Arthur Ray Houston, Jr. He attended Bethel A.M.E. church was active in the choir, usher board and taught Sunday School. He attended Fitzgerald High School where he participated in sports such as football, track and wrestling. He was also a member of the Boys Scouts. At a young age, Arthur gained the role as a leader as he was looked up to in the neighborhood by his peers. Mowing lawns and landscaping were skills that he learned early as it played in his favor later in life. He graduated from Fitzgerald High School in 1976. Pastor George started his journey with the United States Navy in October 1977. During his career he served a Lay Reader for the Baptist services while onboard the USS America; as well as being station in Geatia, Italy onboard the USS LaSalle. Her served until January 1988. Upon returning to the States, he became an active member at The First Church of Deliverance #1, Portsmouth, VA. He served in a several ministries such Sunday School teacher, building maintenance, running Twilight Sunday School, organizing the Senior events and transportation, supporting the youth group activities and always helped to assist with any other events. While attending the church, Pastor George met the love of his life, Little Clarine Folston. Several years later, the two united in holy matrimony and began the journey of a beautiful, blended family with 5 children. Pastor George was ordained in 2003 by Rev. E. M. Woodard, former Senior Pastor of The First Church of Deliverance. In 2005 Pastor George was appointed as the Senior Pastor of The First Church of Deliverance. Pastor George was involved in many organizations throughout the region. He was a member of The Portsmouth band Parliamentarian Interdenominational Ministers Forum and Parliamentarian. He was a Brother of The 7 Morning Star Masonic and Prince Hall Lodge, where he had such positions as Master, Assistant Grand Chaplin, Speaker of The Grand Lodge Morning Service and other Masonic events. Pastor George was also a member of the Vicksville Hunt Club. Pastor George was blessed to have traveled over 15 countries including Isreal, Egypt, and Turkey. He enjoyed spiritual counseling, photography, fishing and hunting. During his service years he attended classes at several colleges, College of Chicago, Tidewater Community College, Central Texas University, Liberty University and Angelos Bible College. Pastor George was preceded in death by his mother, Gloria Jean George Walker, his stepfather, Robert Howard; father, Arthur Houston Jr, and stepmother, Ethel Mae Houston; two sisters, Sheila Taylor, and Tammie Walker. He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of 27 years, Little Clarine George of Chesapeake, VA. Two sons, Arthur Ray Holland (Sharetha) of Fitzgerald, GA, Tyjuan George of Chesapeake, VA.; three daughters, Tajuana Bell (Antonio) of Suffolk, VA, Adriene LaTrisha George (Justin Bruce), of Kingsland, GA, and Cleshonda Jordan (Marcus) of Dothan, AL.: one brother, Andre Houston (Evette) of Brunswick, GA, four sisters. Annie Walker Phillips of Douglas, GA, Linda Murray, Angela Houston, and Patricia Hendry (James) all of Brunswick, GA; one aunt, Elnora Dantley; two uncles, Albert George Jr. and Johnny George all of FL,; the entire Folston family,; bonus children who he helped raised, grandson, Xavier Folston and nephew, Seamus Adams; godchildren, Ashley Nicole Edwards (Waun) and Shaun "Willie" Cuffee all of Portsmouth, VA; special friend, Minister Jerald Thompson (Carolyn) of Suffolk, VA; 13 grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends and one great granddaughter, Kai' Ani Folston, his "K-Note". Pastor George fed many messages to those who would receive them. One of those messages reflected on believers being a "Crackpot"; the kind of flowerpot which leaks or leaves an imprint of God's love wherever we go or to whom we come in contact. Pastor George was a good spiritual leader in the community. He showed love, care, and support wherever he went, yet nothing compared to the leadership, compassion, attentiveness, and patience that he gave to his flock at The First Church of Deliverance #1 in Portsmouth, VA. He also would joke with family about things that we did that plucked his nerves. He would always start the sentence with, "One thing I can't stand!" Pastor George a man of standards and stood firmly on the belief that if you do things the same way, then you will get the same results.

Reverend Arthur Ray George

April 29, 1958 - December 14, 2024