Obituary: George Speight Fordham
George Speight Fordham, 92, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.
A Funeral Service will be conducted Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 11AM at Edwards Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will immediately follow the service in Pinelawn Memorial Park.
George was born in Jones County on October 21, 1931, to James Rudolph Fordham and Hazel Simmons Fordham. After the passing of his mother, his stepmother, Helen Westbrook Fordham became a loving, supportive mother figure.
After high school, he joined the military and proudly served his country in the Army for four years. He then returned to Kinston to help his dad run the family service station downtown Kinston. He also worked for many years as an HVAC technician at Kinston Refrigeration Company. He was an active member of Southwood Memorial Christian Church and later enjoyed visiting Wheat Swamp Christian Church closer to home. He was a devoted member of the St. John’s Masonic Lodge #4 and the American Legion. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, Peggy, telling stories of his many adventures, and bragging on the accomplishments of his grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom he so adored. He will be missed dearly by his family and many friends.
He is survived by his beloved granddaughters, Jane Marie Fordham; Sarah Beth Fordham McLawhorn (John); Heather Leigh Fordham Davis (Mark); great grandchildren Kade McLawhorn, Maeleigh Davis, and Anson Davis; son, Jim Fordham (Rene); stepson, Timothy Hammond (Cindy); stepdaughter, Renae Bowen (Steve); grandchildren Brandy Schmidt, Jason Hammond, Jennifer Hammond; great granddaughter, Joey Schmidt; and bonus daughter and son, Meriam and Lenny Goodwin.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Peggy Waddell Fordham; daughter, Helen Jean Fordham; grandson Sean Scott Dail; and many special cousins.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in George’s memory to Southwood Memorial Christian Church, 1027 NC Hwy 58, Kinston, NC 28504 or to Wheat Swamp Christian Church, 3732 Wheat Swamp Road, La Grange, NC 28551.
Arrangements by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations. Online condolences may be expressed at www.edwardsfhc.com.
