(From White Funeral Home)George Washington Witherspoon Williamson Wardlaw was born on November 26, 1947, in Columbia, South Carolina to Frank Harper Wardlaw and Jane Williamson Wardlaw.
Though his family were deep rooted Carolinians (roots he nourished throughout his life), when he was two, his family resettled in Austin, Texas where he lived until young adulthood. His Texan upbringing made him a full fledged and lifelong patron of the ‘Armadillo State’.
His childhood was shared with an older brother and sister as well as a younger sister. From adventures, such as constructing a marble pit by filling his closet full of sand and being turned loose, unsupervised, on the streets of Mexico while his father conducted business, his formative years were sprinkled with a blend of idyllic, baby-boom period mischief and what would be considered today as a lack of responsible parental oversight. Born to a family of bibliophiles and educators, he had an upbringing that nourished a love of books and the value of public service. This would significantly shape his future, giving him little choice than to passionately believe in the virtue of reading and education.
In his adolescence, the 60’s arrived and he arrived with them. Inspired by the infectious music of the times, George learned to play both guitar and mandolin. His love of music (especially bluegrass) and playing it with others, would become a large part of who he was.
In 1966, another large part of him was to materialize when he met the love of his life after spotting her at a Bob Dylan Concert – Beverly Scott, soon to be Wardlaw.
Not long after graduating from the University of Texas with a degree in elementary education, he and Beverly were married on July 18, 1970, along the bank of the Cypress River under the largest Hackberry tree in Texas. They initiated their shared adventure of marriage by signing up to work for Fred Gipson, the author of Old Yeller, on a remote Texas ranch on the Llano River. On this ranch George learned to build fence (though in later years he never seemed much inclined to put this skill to use) while Beverly learned, from the kitchen’s paisanos, how to make magic happen. Her ranch experience was well learned and would be well appreciated by George for the remainder of his life (her culinary delights constituting one of his great joys).
Following the newlywed’s ranching sabbatical they moved back to Austin but this time to Sprinkle Road on the outskirts of Town. It was here they had their first son, Caleb, in 1975.
During this time period, being somewhat culturally tumultuous, many people looked to different ways of ‘living’. Though George adopted much of the counterculture spirit he refused to label himself ‘hippie’. He consistently considered himself to be an activist and to him being active did not simply mean being against things; it meant being for things. Beverly shared this vision and what they felt they were ‘for’ is perhaps expressed best by the mood of John Prine’s song, Spanish Pipedream- Blow up your TV, throw away your paper, move to the country, build you a home, plant a little garden, have a lot of children, eat a lot of peaches, try to find Jesus on your own. And so that is what they decided to do.
Having adopted the ‘Back-to-the-Land’ philosophy, living in Austin no longer suited their needs. So they loaded up their newborn son and hit the road, looking for the spot where they might build their dreams. Their two requirements were a piece of property that was affordable and that had water. Traveling a great part of the country, they found their requirements met by a piece of the Missouri Ozarks in Thomas Hollow- the home George would call his for the rest of his earthly life.
In his adolescence, the 60’s arrived and he arrived with them. Inspired by the infectious music of the times, George learned to play both guitar and mandolin. His love of music (especially bluegrass) and playing it with others, would become a large part of who he was.
In 1966, another large part of him was to materialize when he met the love of his life after spotting her at a Bob Dylan Concert – Beverly Scott, soon to be Wardlaw.
Not long after graduating from the University of Texas with a degree in elementary education, he and Beverly were married on July 18, 1970, along the bank of the Cypress River under the largest Hackberry tree in Texas. They initiated their shared adventure of marriage by signing up to work for Fred Gipson, the author of Old Yeller, on a remote Texas ranch on the Llano River. On this ranch George learned to build fence (though in later years he never seemed much inclined to put this skill to use) while Beverly learned, from the kitchen’s paisanos, how to make magic happen. Her ranch experience was well learned and would be well appreciated by George for the remainder of his life (her culinary delights constituting one of his great joys).
Following the newlywed’s ranching sabbatical they moved back to Austin but this time to Sprinkle Road on the outskirts of Town. It was here they had their first son, Caleb, in 1975.
During this time period, being somewhat culturally tumultuous, many people looked to different ways of ‘living’. Though George adopted much of the counterculture spirit he refused to label himself ‘hippie’. He consistently considered himself to be an activist and to him being active did not simply mean being against things; it meant being for things. Beverly shared this vision and what they felt they were ‘for’ is perhaps expressed best by the mood of John Prine’s song, Spanish Pipedream- Blow up your TV, throw away your paper, move to the country, build you a home, plant a little garden, have a lot of children, eat a lot of peaches, try to find Jesus on your own. And so that is what they decided to do.
Having adopted the ‘Back-to-the-Land’ philosophy, living in Austin no longer suited their needs. So they loaded up their newborn son and hit the road, looking for the spot where they might build their dreams. Their two requirements were a piece of property that was affordable and that had water. Traveling a great part of the country, they found their requirements met by a piece of the Missouri Ozarks in Thomas Hollow- the home George would call his for the rest of his earthly life.
Being settled in this new home, George and Beverly would have two more children, Ben in 1977, and Josh in 1981. Aside from family, his home was, on countless occasions, host to numerous friends- being constantly filled with love, laughter, conversation, music, memories and good food. If a music circle was near, you knew George wouldn’t be far from it. He loved to attend gatherings; playing mandolin or guitar and singing right along. Each fall he’d head to Winfield, Kansas to join his Comfortable Shoes Family- late night jams, early morning donut tractor, and celebration of community at its purest. George knew joy and he gladly shared it with all of whom crossed his path.
George was also a devoted teacher. He taught in the Shell Knob, Exeter, Southwest and Rocky Comfort elementary schools. He was a born educator and he excelled at it. He was known for the patience, creativity, and openness he brought to the classroom. He encouraged kids to be themselves, create, and enjoy even the simplest moments. He valued what people brought to this world and that belief shone brightly in his classroom.
Shortly after his retirement from public education George was to be rechristened, G Pa. Like his role as a husband, father, and teacher, G Pa excelled and was a devoted grandparent of six grandchildren. G Pa loved his six grandchildren dearly. G Pa spent many days with his grandchildren playing at the creek, taking walks, and reading to them. He could make filling a birdfeeder a grand adventure or the smallest trinkets in a chest of drawers a treasure hunt.
Right up to his passing G Pa enjoyed the good things in life and the fruits of his ‘empire’. But more significantly, he gave good things to life and gave fruit to his ‘empire’. He will be loved and missed. He passed on March 6, 2026, surrounded by family and his devoted dog C.C. at his home in Thomas Hollow.
He is survived by his wife, Beverly Wardlaw; his sons: Caleb Wardlaw (Alisen Payette), Ben Wardlaw, (Liz Wardlaw), Josh Wardlaw (Lauren Wardlaw), and his grandchildren: Birdie Wardlaw, Huxley Wardlaw, Grayson Wardlaw, Roland Wardlaw, Ruthie Wardlaw, and Dahlia Wardlaw, as well as his siblings: Pat, Harriet, and Caroline. He will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A memorial will be held in Thomas Hollow on May 30, 2026, where all are invited to join in celebrating George with music, good food, and community.
Memorials may be made in George’s name to Lewy Body Dementia Research or any organization that assist children and may be entrusted to White Funeral Home and Crematory.
Arrangements are under the direction of White Funeral Home and Crematory in Cassville, Missouri.
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