George Sterchi

George Sterchi, an absolute legend, passed away on July 23, 2025 at the age of 86. A proud Tennessean, George loved Volunteer football, bluegrass music, good southern food, mediocre beer, and the rich history of Appalachia. He lived a full and adventurous life prioritizing family, friendship, faith, and good fun. George was married to his beautiful wife Gail for almost 63 years, and considering their courtship, enjoyed her close company for almost 70 years. He raised their daughters Susan and Beth to be curious, independent, and kind, and by his own example set the standard for the development of their work ethic, integrity, and accountability. George was a graduate of the University of Tennessee and member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He served in the Air National Guard 134th Unit in Germany during the Berlin Crisis. George enjoyed many years in the hospitality industry, owning and/or operating The Country Squire Motel in Knoxville, and later the Crystal Lodge and Port Paradise motels in Crystal River, Florida. He was known as a hard worker, a gracious host, and respected community leader. George later founded Southern Cypress Log Homes, building a small but successful legacy as a log home manufacturer. In retirement, George spent the bulk of his time immersed in the outdoors, managing and maintaining hobby farms as a dedicated friend to wildlife. He left a tremendous legacy by planting thousands of trees and hundreds of acres of clover, grasses, and grain in service to his animal friends. An avid sportsman, George enjoyed fly fishing and hunting, and especially loved mentoring those with a desire to share in these pursuits. Throughout his life, he maintained a sense of wonder in the natural world and never missed the opportunity to appreciate the potential of an acorn, the vibrant colors of a native brook trout, the geologic history of a rock formation, or the value of a really good stick. George was loved for his charm and mischievous wit. A legendary storyteller who never met a stranger, he had a gift for turning everyday moments into unforgettable and often very tall tales. Whether sharing stories over a cold beer, or striking up conversations with strangers in the checkout line or on a trout stream, George had the ability to make instant friends and leave lasting impressions on everyone he met. In his later years he struggled with short-term memory loss related to dementia and entertained his friends by repeating the same stories over and over and over and over again, frequently with fantastical embellishments or outright lies, and always with good humor. He was a loyal and authentic friend and had an uncanny ability to meet people exactly where they were, regardless of their station in life. Spirituality played an important role in George’s life. He was a faithful member at Crystal River United Methodist Church, and later at Central United Methodist Church in Lenoir City, where he found community and purpose through service and worship. He was always quick to identify the presence of God in the natural world, and could engage in worship and reverence regardless of where he stood. George is survived by his beloved wife Gail and daughters Susan and Beth; nieces Laura Folk (Ben), Janet Sterchi, and Kathryn Hanna; nephews Louis Sterchi (Jessie), Ross Hanna (Debbie), and Griff Hanna (Crissy); as well as a gaggle of great-nieces and nephews. Because of his loving and playful nature, George also extended his family to include Susan’s stepchildren Emily, Erin and Andy, as well as his honorary granddaughter Dolly Lynn. He was preceded in death by his parents Hugh and Pinkie Sterchi, as well as his brother Bob Sterchi. The family would like to thank Stephen Miller, DNP and the staff at Tennova Turkey Creek for the incredible care they offered George in his final days. A celebration honoring George’s life will be held at Central United Methodist Church in Lenoir City, TN on September 6, 2025. The family will receive friends at 10:00 am, and the service will follow at 10:30. In lieu of flowers, Gail, Susan, and Beth kindly ask for donations to: Central United Methodist Church in Lenoir City, The Tennessee Memory Disorders Foundation in Knoxville, or the charity of one’s choice

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George Sterchi

July 7, 1939 - July 23, 2025