George Ellwood Colgate's Obituary
George Colgate, born July 20, 1948 in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, passed away November 22, 2025 at his home in Memphis, TN surrounded by loved ones. Survived by Jan Colgate, wife of 57 years; two children Laura Colgate of Takoma Park, MD and Jason Colgate of Charlotte, NC; and two grandchildren from Jason - Declan George Colgate and Julianna Isla Colgate.
He attained rank of Sergeant in the Marine Corps, finished the Boston Marathon in 2:43, and was the first in his family to graduate with a BA degree, from University of South Florida in Tampa. George worked for Hostess Wonder Bread for 12 years and then proudly owned and operated VR Business Brokers for 27 years. Devoted to a life in service to others, he was a Paul Harris Rotarian Fellow for 20 years and a cherished Elder at Cordova Presbyterian Church.
Despite the tremendous hardship he endured in his younger years, his indomitable spirit and incredible resilience enabled him to create a beautiful and joyful life. His family was his greatest source of pride; he loved them fiercely and his selfless devotion was evident to all who knew him.
A Memorial & Military Service will be held at Cordova Presbyterian Church (1071 N Sanga Rd, Cordova, TN 38018) for family and friends on Sunday, November 30 at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in George's memory be made to the Amyloidosis Research Consortium here: https://donate.arci.org/fundraiser/6845912
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