Obituary of George Townsend

OBITUARY George Teman “GT” Townsend was born to Eugenie and Henry Townsend on August 22, 1942, in Clarendon, Jamaica W.I. His early childhood education prepared him for success on a bigger stage, and at age 17 he completed his high school education at Holmwood Technical College in neighboring Manchester. With school behind him, George’s work life began at Sevens Sugar Factory in Clarendon. A few years later, he moved north to St. Ann where he worked at the Playboy Hotel, and shortly thereafter the Jamaica Hilton. A change in direction led him to Diversey/Wyandotte Chemicals where he excelled as a salesman, rising through the ranks to Regional Sales Manager (and with that came relocation to Kingston). After many years at Diversey/Wyandotte, he briefly worked at Swift Chemicals as well as Sherwyn Williams. George’s entrepreneurial spirit drove him towards creating his own office cleaning company, and he also started a pig farm. A return to the north coast saw him partner with his nephew Billy to launch their much beloved Billy George Restaurant (Ocho Rios). The northern pull saw George migrate to the USA in the mid-2000’s, living in Florida for several years. After falling ill in 2016, he moved further north, to New York, and slowly recuperated under the watchful eye and loving care of family. He transitioned from this world peacefully, in his sleep, before dawn on April 13, 2023. During his early career George was quite active in the Jaycees of Jamaica, and he remained a strong advocate for their charitable mission. Away from work, his hobbies were varied, and they included farming, playing board games (dominoes, backgammon, almost any card game), traveling, and grilling/cooking while enjoying his Red Stripe, cigarettes, and the soothing sounds of Reggae music. Life and love are at their best when shared. Although officially single on departure from this world, George was married three times, and he was father to four sons. He is survived by his sister Lucille, brother Granville “Buxie”, sisters-in-law Faye, Joyce, and Jewel, his sons (daughters-in-law) Ian (Sharon), Michael (Symone), Geo (Theresa), and Christopher (Elizabeth), grandchildren David, Adrian, Alexandria, Shannon, Matthew, Emily-Victoria, Anna-Lauren, Brandon, Elise, Christoper Jr., Jacob, and Izabel, great grandchildren David Jr., Brooke, and Christian, and an array of much-loved and cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and others, who span a few generations. George is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Amy, Carmen, Beth "Aunt Puncy", and Juliet “Shirley”, and his brothers Radcliff “Massa”, and Hector “Son Son”. May his soul rest in peace.