George L. Dinwiddie

George L.Dinwiddie, Jr., age 85 of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at his home on July 3, 2010 after an extended illness. His strong will and courage helped him to face the reality of his condition and confinement. He is now with God and in the company of Martha, his beloved wife of forty years. The family wishes to thank all his friends who came to visit him, and the staff and residents at Manor House Assisted Living. Also, a special thanks to his sitter Christina. George was born on July 27, 1924 in Paris, TN. He was drum major in the Henry County High School Band. George's dream to graduate from the University of Tennessee was interrupted as he was drafted into the Army Air Corp. George served in Europe during WWII as a Sergeant on a 40mm anti-aircraft battalion attached to the 4th, 8th and 9th Air Forces. Their mission was to protect air bases in Belgium, as US Forces fought the German Army in the Battle of the Bulge. After serving his country, George returned to Knoxville to finish his education at the University of Tennessee. There he served as the Drum Major for the Pride of the Southland Marching Band for three years. His love for music followed him all his life, including leading the Alumni "Over The Hill" Band at Tennessee homecoming games for over 35 years. After college George went to work for his father-in-law, J. Harry Brown at Kern's Bakery. In 1958 he founded George Dinwiddie Distributing Company, a wholesale company selling Pabst Blue Ribbon beer. George's business grew rapidly as he acquired many brands over the years, including Coors and Heineken. George and Martha loved their friends and the great times they had at Deane Hill Country Club and Cherokee Country Club singing and dancing the night away. On countless occasions, George performed his soft shoe routine, and sang his favorite song "I Wish you Love" at many weddings. George's true passion was golf. He loved his Wednesday and Friday golf games, and especially the group of friends he played with. George's stories of great golf games and of the special "Cherokee Characters" were legendary. George grew up when times were very hard. His father and mother instilled in him a work ethic that he passed down to his family. He was a very generous person who wanted his family to have the things that he couldn't as a child. He demanded much from those around him and although quick to criticize, he was also quick to praise. He came to find great comfort with his beloved Church of the Ascension and was a fixture there for many years. He truly loved watching the church grow and took a personal interest in seeing that his children were raised there. George is preceded in death by his parents, George and Maggie Ray Dinwiddie of Paris Tennessee, and his sister, Margaret Perry of Paris, TN. He is survived by his three children: son, Harry Brown Dinwiddie and wife Karen, grandson, Harry Brown Dinwiddie Jr. and wife Jennifer, great-grandchildren, Holden Carmelo Dinwiddie and Jack Francis Dinwiddie of Mount Pleasant NC; daughter, Martha Elizabeth Dinwiddie and grandson, Thad Dinwiddie Williams of Knoxville; son, George L. Dinwiddie III, and wife Anita Cristil Dinwiddie, grand-children, Anna Cristil Dinwiddie and Martha Overton Dinwiddie of Knoxville. In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to The Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 800 Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919, or The University of Tennessee Band Scholarship Fund, 1914 Andy Holt Ave., Room 214, Knoxville, TN 37996-2730.

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George L. Dinwiddie

July 27, 1924 - July 3, 2010