George Joseph Umstead, Jr.

   George Joseph Umstead, Jr., age 92, died Wednesday, December 7, 2016 in his home in Tyner, NC.

   A native of Cleveland, Ohio, George is survived by his wife of 22 years, Christine Umstead; his children, Alison Jackson (Bill), Leslie Amentini (Greg), Kristine Fitts, Elizabeth Kitchen (Brad); step-children, Amanda and Keith Black, Jay and Liz Kornegay; grandchildren, Frank Fitts IV, Rachelle Jackson, Tommy Amentini, Jaclyn Amentini, Madeline Fitts, Grace Fitts; and step-grandchildren, Sam Black, William Black, Jack Kornegay, Bobby Kornegay, and Linna Kornegay.

   George was preceded in death by his parents, George and Elynore Umstead; a sister, Lois Symes; his wife of 40 years, Nancy; and a daughter Laurie Vrabel (Fred).

   He graduated from Wittenberg University in 1948 and Case Western Reserve Law School in 1951. George joined the U.S. Army serving 33 months during World War II. Captured in Belgium, he was a POW in a German Prison Camp. He earned two Battle Stars and a Purple Heart.

   After returning from war, Umstead began his law career with Johnson and Umstead merging with Squires, Sanders, and Dempsey until his retirement in 1968.

   In college George was President of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and as an active alumnus was a member of its national board of directors. He served two terms as President of the Orange School System Board of Education and was a distinguished member of the Court of Nisi Prius being Judge in 1977 and in 2010 received the Ruby Chevron for his 40-year membership. George was a member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. His hobbies included tennis, farming, reading and following the Alabama Crimson Tide football team.

   Funeral services will be held Monday at 11:00 a.m. in Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may join the family in the Parish Hall immediately following the service.

   Miller & Van Essendelft, Funeral and Cremation Providers, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, is assisting the family with arrangements.

   Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.