
February 22, 1930 - April 11, 2005
George Younce, a two-time Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame Inductee and founding member of the Cathedral Quartet was honored in style with a homegoing celebration Tuesday, April 20, 2005 at Akron Baptist Temple in Akron, Ohio. George made his last public appearance September 18 at a Gaither Homecoming concert where he sang "Suppertime." George and his wife Clara would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary April 27. He was survived by his wife, Clara; a son, George Lane of Powder Springs, Ga.; daughters, Gina Eroskey, Lisa Haase and Tara Aidala, all of Stow, OH; and Dana Willis of Powder Springs, GA; three grandchildren; and a brother.
In front of the church Tuesday morning stood the casket carrying George Younce surrounded by hundreds of flowers. Standing next to the casket was a portrait of George and a stand holding his famous cowboy boots.
The homegoing celebration began with a welcome from Dr. Arnold Fleagle, followed by Jeff Easter on the harmonica playing "Amazing Grace," at which time the Homecoming Choir joined in singing with Bill Gaither leading those in attendance. The Homecoming Choir included but was not limited to: Anthony Burger, Jason Waldroup, Russ Taft, Jessy Dixon, Ben Speer, Roy Tremble, Jimmy Jones, Jonathan Martin, Amy Lambert, Connie Hopper, Kim Hopper, Sonya Isaacs, Rodney Griffin, Gerald Wolfe, Mike Allen, Sue Dodge, Guy Penrod, David Phelps, Marshall Hall, Wesley Pritchard, Scott Fowler, Allsion Durham Speer, Calvin Newton, Mary Tom Speer, Ernie Haase and Signature Sound Qt and others.
Bill Gaither also led the Choir and the congregation in the following songs, "I'll Meet You In The Morning," "Canaan Land Is Just In Sight," and "What A Meeting (in the air)."
The Gaither Vocal Band performed "I Believe in a Hill Called Mt. Calvary," followed once again by the The Homecoming Choir with "Suppertime." Ben Speer sang the lead and Jimmy Jones spoke the recitation.
Other musical performances included Jessy Dixon on "I Wonder What They're Doing There Now" and Ernie Haase and Signature Sound Quartet on "Oh, What A Savior."
Rev. Phil Hoskings offered a prayer and spoke a few minutes about George.
A wonderful video presentation (10 mins) of some of George's great moments singing and telling jokes was presented.
Gloria Gaither commented on George describing him as timeless full of Laughter, Love of People, and Love of Music.
Bill Gaither spoke much about what a "giver" George was, comparing him to Barnabas as the master encourager. He told about George being an "Old Friend" to him, and how George would buy him new shoes and mail him new tennis shoes in the mail.
George's pastor expounded on his generosity, and his unselfishness!
The service ended with "Because He Lives." As the pallbearers carried the casket down the aisle, the choir sang, "Oh Come, Angel Band" and George was followed by his family members, and many dear friends.
Reader Comments





