I haven’t written in the mornings in a while. It’s been kind of crazy this year. There are some days I have things heavy on my mind and don’t share them here.
I am in Georgia at this moment. I have been since Friday. My father has been struggling to overcome a few surgeries with complications the past 5 months.
When I received the text on Thursday, “Can you come?” I did.
This is not the type of family reunion you enjoy.
I held his hand as he took his final breath. I am grateful I was here to see him and tell him I loved him once more to his earthly body. I’ll speak with him as I do with my mom and daddy when I need someone to talk to.
Not everyone knows our story, but he gave me 3 sisters and a brother to add to my family. A sister in law, their children and grandchildren, welcomed me into the family.
I also gained a mother. Joanna welcomed me with open arms and I will love her like my own.
I only had 20 plus years with him, learning about the family, visiting when possible. He never forgot me, for that I am thankful. I hate to think if we had never found each other.
Knowing him never took away from my past, but added to my future.
I love you Dad.
Thank you for my orneriness, yes, I got it from you. And thank you for the family. We do have more in common than we realize.
I was trusted to write his obituary. I know I did not do it justice, but I am honored just the same.
Rest in peace.
GEORGE ELI SOLOCK
You may have noticed a brightness in sky at 2:00 pm Saturday, February 20th, 2021, at that moment, Angels escorted George Eli Solock to be reunited with family and friends in Heaven. Just minutes later, the world became a lesser place for those that know him. They will tell stories about George for years to come and he will continue to be that husband, father and friend, walking with them and telling them they are doing it wrong. Said lovingly of course with a gruff in his voice and a twinkle in his eye.
George was a simple, yet complex man, a Navy Veteran, 2nd Amendment supporter, Conservative, all round Red Blooded American. He physically defended our country and values when young while wearing a Navy uniform and continued to voice his opinion and support for our nation until the end. He loved life, family, friends and country. Arguing about any of that would get you nowhere.
Retired life gave him the time to enjoy the finer things in life. Time with his wife Joanna, children and grand children, coffee on the porch watching nature in the back yard and feeding his cat buttermilk in the morning. He loved fishing at Troope Creek Marina and shooting clay pigeons with his brother in law Richard. He loved his guns and the right to own them. George and Joanna loved to travel with Brenda, Richard, Judy, Lou and Steve and enjoyed exploring the beautiful country he fought to protect.
They also loved each other’s company at home watching westerns and just enjoying life together.
George was born December 30, 1942 to Lorene Iacano in Versailles Kentucky.
He attended Shaw high school in East Cleveland Ohio where he met and dated his first wife, Laural Sanzo, and enlisted in the Navy in 1961.
In 1962 George married his high school sweetheart Laural and became the father of 2 gorgeous baby girls, Lisa Marie and Michelle Marie.
Between his first and second marriage, another daughter was born to Orchid Crespo from Key West Florida, Lorene Marie. George didn’t have a great imagination when it came to middle names.
In 1967, while stationed in Brunswick, Georgia he met Joanna Mosley, married in 1968 and became a father again, this time inheriting a beautiful daughter Reanee and handsome son Kenneth Lowell.
George led a full life, after leaving the Navy in 1970 while stationed in Hawaii, the family moved back to Brunswick where he worked in construction as a heavy duty equipment operator until January of 2005.
He was an amazing husband, father and grandfather.
George was a proud man.
Proud of his family, country and beliefs.
He passed that down to his children and in turn grand children and great grandchildren.
He has a legacy that will go on forever.
A total of 5 children, Lisa Marie Andrews, husband Jeff, Michelle Marie Georgiana, husband Thomas (Bubba), Lorene Marie Wood, husband Troy, Reanee Hoffman, Kenneth Lowell Shaw, wife Vanessa, 16 grandchildren, 21 and ½ great grandchildren. He was also the fur father to Jake and Piper, his cats.
He was preceded in death by his Mother Lorene, Brother Mike, Cousin-Brother Ray Woolums and Jake the cat.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Brunswick animal shelter where he adopted Jake and Piper would be appreciated.
George being George did not want a fancy funeral or a big fuss made over his passing. He told his wife Jo, just have a party at the house with family and friends. And so we will and you can join us Tuesday, February 23rd, 4:00 pm at his son Ken’s home 1200 Myers hill road. Brunswick Georgia.
