Menu
George Voehringer
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A memorial Mass for George Albert Voehringer, 88, will be celebrated on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 3863 Summer Ave., Memphis by Monsignor John McArthur. Visitation at the church is 10-11:30 a.m., with the Mass immediately following.
In failing health, George passed away on Oct. 23, 2023, at his home. Born July 10, 1935, to Fred and Helen (Lord) Voehringer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, George was the youngest of three sons. The family moved to Decatur, Alabama, where George spent his childhood. He was active in scouting and excelled in swimming and was a certified lifeguard. The camaraderie he experienced at Decatur High School remained steadfast. Lifelong friendships were forged, and he continued to celebrate many reunions with his classmates.
An alumnus of St. Louis University, George earned a degree in Business Management. He went on to receive his master’s in Banking from Southern Methodist University. His accomplished career in banking spanned many decades at several institutions including National Bank of Commerce, The People’s Bank and Trustmark National Bank, retiring in 1998. It has been remarked by many that the loans he made were life changing in advancing their careers and personal lives.
A proud veteran, George served his country in the 3rd Infantry Division, Army. He was a tank driver while stationed in Bamberg, Germany.
On April 27, 1963, in New Madrid, Missouri, he married Mary Helen Dawson. They made Memphis their home, where they raised their four children, recently celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. A devoted husband and father, George cherished his family and extended family.
He enjoyed life fully, pursuing handy-man projects, grilling, family poker nights and playing golf. Of all his interests during retirement, cheering on his grandchildren in sports gave him the most joy.
His grilling talents and relaxed, jovial personality made George a favorite on the Fabulous Faultliners BBQ Cooking team, competing in many tournaments, including Memphis in May – making the main stage during competition finals.
During retirement, George acquired an interest in his family history, that soon turned into a passion. After tracing his family’s German roots, in 2012 he traveled to Germany, along with his sons Pete and John. They visited with newly found cousins Wolfgang Hauserr, Axel Vohringer and their families. A highlight of the trip was to see the family farm, which was his grandfather’s birthplace. George was honored to reciprocate the hospitality his cousins shared when they visited Memphis several years later. Despite distance and language barriers, deep connections were forged that reached beyond shared DNA. George nurtured these relationships and was thankful for the bonds and love that was shared.
His fun-loving, amiable nature endeared George to many. It was this outstanding characteristic that prevailed during his health challenges and setbacks. He was the epitome of resilience. Above it all George lived a life of faith, relying on the Lord to sustain him through the trials and joys of life. This abiding faith was an example to his family and all who knew him. He was well-lived, well-loved, and left a beautiful legacy.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Helen, and children: Greg (Carol) Voehringer; Pete (Sharon) Voehringer; John Voehringer; Missy (Brent) Rakers and those who dearly loved to call him Pops: Ryan and Aaron Voehringer; Tyler and Drew Rakers; and Elizabeth Shearon. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Fred Voehringer and Charles Voehringer.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. David Iansmith, Dr. Rice Drewry, the medical staff at Semmes Murphy Clinic, and the many other healthcare workers that provided him care, comfort and compassion in his later years. As a last act of generosity, George donated his body to science through the Genesis Program. Inurnment will occur later at Evergreen Cemetery in New Madrid, Missouri.
Memorials may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T.org) benefiting veterans, first responders and their families.