George Ferrell

George William Ferrell died March 10, 2012, in a Temple nursing home at 92 years of age. Mr. Ferrell was born March 27, 1919, in Garza, Denton County, Texas, to Seabourn Pierce Ferrell and Maude Beatrice Hodges. He was the youngest of six children. He grew up in the Prairie Dell and Salado communities. In 1937, he graduated from Salado High School where he was active in all sports and earned the honor of highest boy graduate. After high school, Mr. Ferrell entered the Civilian Conservation Corp. During this time, he also played baseball for Bartlett in the Central Texas League. He was in the first draft from Bell County during WWII. From February 1941 until August 1942 he served as a non-commissioned officer reaching the rank of first sergeant in the Army Air Force. In October of 1942, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Air Force after completing Officer Candidate School. He transferred to the reserves in January 1946 with the rank of Captain. Medals received include North American Ribbon, Pre-Pearl Harbor Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Rifle Sharpshooter, and Pistol Marksman. After leaving active duty, Mr. Ferrell joined Williams, Inc. in Peoria, Illinois, as vice-president. He later served as district manager with Whirlpool Co. and vice-president of Shetland Company. While in Peoria, he met his future wife, Helen Pearl Wheeler. They were married at West Bluff Christian Church, Peoria, Illinois, on November 26, 1947. George Ferrell brought his family back to Bell County in 1960, settling in Belton. Shortly thereafter, he became city finance officer. In 1964, he was selected as city manager of Belton. Mr. Ferrell retired from city government in 1981. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Belton for over fifty years and was a 65-year member of the Masonic Lodge. His wife, four brothers and one sister predeceased Mr. Ferrell. He is survived by three children: Cheryl Grimm of Houston, Dianne Ferrell of Belton, and Wesley Ferrell and wife Joy of Little River; six grandchildren: Brian Grimm, Melissa Grimm Schroeder, Jacob Ferrell, Caleb Ferrell, Kim LaCanne, Jason Harmon; and eleven great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salado Cemetery Association, PO Box 21, Salado, TX 76571, or to the First United Methodist Church, 205 East Third Ave., Belton, TX 76513. Visitation will be Monday, March 12 from 5-7pm at Dossman Funeral Home. The funeral will be at Dossman Funeral Home in Belton, Tuesday, March 13, 2012, with Rev. Darren Walker officiating. Burial will follow in Salado Cemetery.