George Vaughn Mcbride

George Vaughn Greene McBride passed away on February 7, 2017. He was first and foremost a gentle, kind and humble man who loved his family and Jesus Christ, his Savior.Born February 3, 1923 in Wilkes County in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina, Mr. McBride was the son of Will and Nina McBride. He was an exceptional student who finished high school at the age of 15, who in addition to excelling in school, Mr. McBride developed a formidable work ethic which would serve him well as he worked the family farm from a very young age.He attended Appalachian State (University), but when Pearl Harbor was attacked, Mr. McBride enlisted in the Navy on December 11, 1941. He proudly served his country on a destroyer in the Pacific arena, and returned to civilian life to begin a career with the railroad. Mr. McBride met his future wife, the former Vera Davis of South Carolina, during his early career with what is now Norfolk Southern Railway System. He was married to his wife for nearly 60 years, and had a distinctive management career with Norfolk Southern for 40 years before his retirement in Jacksonville in 1983.Mr. McBride loved the Lord, his family here and in heaven, and all of God's animals. He especially loved the family's west highland terriers, Boo and Sophia who share his roots and affinity for all things Celtic.A voracious reader, Mr. McBride taught Sunday School and shared his love of C.S. Lewis, Phillip Yancey, Charles Spurgeon and many ecumenical authors. A good man who lacked prejudices, Mr. McBride was able to travel to see the world after his retirement, and carried special prayers and supplications to the Holy Land in 2008 at the age of 85.George was a generous man whose sense of fun and humor made him the favorite of many of his relatives. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, as well as six sisters and one brother. He is survived by his daughters, Jerri McBride Berrong (Dale), Debra McBride Shelton, granddaughters Branden Shelton Russell and Kathryn Chadwick (Quick), grandson Kenneth Berrong (Kellyn), great granddaughter Elsie Chadwick, close family member Mrs. Louise Berrong, brother-in-law Nelson Davis (Gloria), sister "in love" Faye Davis Martinez, and many nieces and nephews who loved "Uncle George" for his wit as well as his kindness. A private family memorial service will be held in North Carolina.The family would like to thank the loving Community Hospice staff of the Hadlow Center for Caring in Jacksonville, especially Soroya and Debbie, for making our father's final days so peaceful and comfortable. He was the embodiment of a precious life well lived..4140 University Blvd S Jacksonville, FL 32216 f: 904-739-81594747 Main St N Jacksonville, FL 32206 f: 904-353-0763