Age: 90
Address: The Laurels of Summit Ridge, Oteen
Date of Death: Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details:  On Tuesday, December 18th Mr. James Lee Geouge died at The Laurels of Summit Ridge in Oteen after several years of declining health.  Born February 4, 1922, Mr. Geouge was the youngest son of the late W. Roscoe and Mary Wilson Geouge.  He was also preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Pauline Gilley Geouge; brother, Paul Geouge; and sisters:  Ruth Bell, Hazel Grindstaff, Allie Thomas and Pearl Wilson.
     Mr. Geouge served as a Technical Sgt. in the U.S. Army and was a prisoner of war during World War II.  He received numerous Service medals, including a Purple Heart and was an expert marksman.  He rarely spoke of his tour of duty, but credited his survival to the American Red Cross following his capture and POW internment.
     After returning home from combat, he earned his diploma from Micaville High School and spent the majority of his professional career building bridges throughout Western N.C. and Eastern Tennessee.  He completed several projects on the Blue Ridge Parkway, as did his father and his son.  Mr. Geouge retired from Blalock & Sons in 1989.
     He spent much free time along the parkway, on high mountain ridges exploring waterfalls and along numerous small streams where he often fished.  He loved to spend time outdoors and often spent weekends camping under the stars near Harmon Den in the Nantahala National Forest.  Every summer, he shared a bountiful vegetable garden with friends and family.
     Mr. Geouge is survived by his children:  Randall Geouge (Juanita) of Burnsville, Rebecca Gosnell (Bill) of Knoxville, TN, and Susan Rankin (Jed) of Marion; grandchildren:  Mark Geouge, Mandy Geouge Ward, Mary Gosnell, Kasey Rankin and Jake Rankin; great-grandchildren:  Zachary Gosnell, Grayson Ward and Hunter Geouge.  He is also survived by two sisters:  Betty Black and Helen Crisp (Jesse); an aunt:  Tassie Wilson Bradley; and several nieces and nephews.
     Funeral services will be held at Noon, Saturday, December 22, 2012 in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Blue Rock Baptist Church Cemetery.
     The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
     In lieu of flowers, the family suggests the following for memorials:  the American Red Cross, Alzheimer’s Foundation or Blue Rock Baptist Church.  The family also wishes to thank the wonderful staff at The Laurels of Summit Ridge, Care Partner’s Hospice and the Charles George VA Medical Center for their excellent support and care.