George J. Sorge

Highlands, NC - George J. Sorge, a long term resident of Cashiers and Highlands, died at the age of 96, in his residence at Chestnut Hill. A native of New York City, he was reared in the suburb of New Rochelle. Shortly after Pearl Harbor he enlisted in the Army as a private and was assigned to the Field Artillery at Fort Bragg, NC. He qualified for OCS and at graduation was appointed an instructor at the Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he headed up the Department of Public Speaking/Methods of Instruction & Training. He was subsequently assigned to the 742nd Field Artillery Battalion as Battery Commander and served combat duty in the European Theater. At discharge he was Battalion Commander of the 190th F.A. Bn. and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service.

After the war he joined the management team of the Durkee Famous Foods Division of the SCM Corp. where he served as National Sales Manager and National Account Manager. Retired in June of 1974, he and his former wife of 25 years, Pearl, who predeceased him, took up residence at "Valley High" in Cashers, NC as a Real Estate Broker. Local civic activity began with his election as Chairman, Building & Grounds Committee of the Cashiers Community Center Board, then Chairman of the Board in which role he initiated the formation of the Cashiers Community Council. He chaired the fundraising activities of the American Cancer Society for a period of three years, served on the board of Trustees of the Highlands-Cashiers Hospital for eight years, was elected Vice-Chairman and subsequently Chairman of the Board. His love for the hospital was evidenced in his continuing role as a volunteer until his passing.

As a member of the Cashiers United Methodist Church he served as Lay Preacher, Lay Leader, Chairman of the Administrative Board, Chairman of the Worship Committee, Teacher/Discussion Leaders, member of the Choir, member of the Church Building Committee, and Chairman of the Parsonage Expansion and Fundraising Committee.

His loving wife, Simone who passed away October 18, 2007. He is survived by his son, G. Jeffery Sorge of Huntington, New York, his daughter, Allyson Sorge of Ghent, New York, five grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at the Cashiers United Methodist Church, 894 Hwy. 107 South, on Saturday, June 21, at 2 pm. Memorial gifts may be made to the Church or the Highlands-Cashiers Hospital.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences are available by visiting www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.