George Robert Garvin, Jr.

George Robert Garvin Jr, 80, of Franklin, Tennessee went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. George is the devoted husband of Martha, nee Reed; loving father of Lorri (Joel) Smith, Bradley Garvin Brian (Maria) Garvin, Barton (Lisa) Garvin and Lisa (James) Spruill; beloved grandfather of Margaret, Wesley, Claire, Katie, Sarah, Caroline, Tucker, Samuel, Mary Elizabeth, Tom, & Benjamin; cherished son of the late to George Sr. and Ruth, nee Anderson, Garvin; dear brother of the late Naomi Smith and Bette (Garvin) Burke. George was born in Maywood, attended Proviso East High School and Olivet Nazarene College, where he later served as a distinguished member of their Board of Trustees for more than 25 years. After graduating from college in 1958 George became the 3rd President of Sam Garvin & Company, his family’s electrical manufacturing business that was started by his Grandfather Sam in 1892, after working at the World’s Columbian Exposition with Thomas Edison. In the early 1900’s Sam Garvin & Company was instrumental in designing and manufacturing a line of lighting and electrical products that became an industry standard and continues today. For more than 45 years George guided the family business and laid a foundation for international expansion. As a lifelong member of the Church of the Nazarene, George used his talents to serve as a board member for the Nazarene Church International, Olivet Nazarene University, Chicago Central District, World Vision International, National Association of Evangelicals, and a variety of other charitable organizations. Although his leadership had an international impact, his favorite role was that of husband and father serving his local church family and missionaries that required assistance in fulfilling their call to serve God. Nashville visitation will be held at Nashville First Church of the Nazarene 510 Woodland St. Nashville, TN 37206 on Thursday November 17, 2016 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Service to follow at 11:00 a.m.. Visitation Friday, November 18, 2016, 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Gibbons Funeral Home, 134 South York Road, (½ mile North of Saint Charles Road), Elmhurst. Private Interment Arlington Cemetery, Elmhurst. For funeral information please call 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com