George C. Pinney, 88, Decatur, passed away at 1:45 am on Tuesday (July 4, 2006) in Manor Care.  Memorial services: 10 a.m. Friday, Prairie Avenue Christian Church.  Visitation was Thursday evening.   Arrangements by: Dawson & Wikoff West Wood Street Funeral Home.  

       George was born on March 12, 1918, in Muskogee, OK, the son of George and Florence (VanDeventer) Penny.  His mother, an artist in her own right, was a very popular 1st Grade teacher at the Mt. Pulaski Grade School for many many years.  He married Alice J. Cook on Nov. 18, 1945.  He retired from A.E. Staley, where he worked as a chemist.  

       He was a member of the Prairie Avenue Christian Church, where he taught Sunday School, Bible studies, and sang in the choir.  He was also a member of Staley Retiree's Club.  

       George served in WWII under General George Patton in the European Theater.  He received the Purple Heart, Bronze and Silver Stars.

      Surviving are his wife, Alice of Decatur; daughters, Karen Harmer (husband Dave) of Lincoln, Deborah VanZant (husband Dwain) of Decatur; sons, George Pinney (partner Scott Jones) of Bloomington, IN, John Pinny (wife Lisa) of Gilbertsville, KY; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildlren.

Memorials may be made to: ManorCare Health Services.

Condolences may be sent to: www.dawson-wikoff.com.