Mr. George Everett Self

George Everett Self was born on October 13, 1928 in Newbern, Tennessee, the son of Ashley and Lillian Self. He had 2 sisters and 3 brothers. George is survived by his wife of 74 years, Jean Self, daughters Joyce Fioritto (Lou), Connie Hayes (David), Jan Batten (Mark) and Ron Self (Christine), as well as 19 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. When he was eight years old pneumonia almost killed him (aren't we all so blessed that the Lord spared his life!!). Before getting sick, they called George "Big-un", but while ill he lost so much weight that they never called him that again. In 1938, when George was 10 years old, his town had a revival meeting. It was in one of those meetings that George accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. The following Sunday, he was baptized in a muddy river. His life was forever changed. Being sharecroppers, George's family frequently moved. But when he was 15 his family moved to Flint, MI. Shortly after moving to Michigan, George dropped out of school to work at Kroger. George met Jean Young at church in 1947 and fell in love. On June 18, 1949, at the age of 20, they married. In 1951 George left Kroger to work on the assembly line for Buick and Jean went into labor only to find out that their first child was stillborn. George and Jean were devastated, but put their trust in God and in His plan for them. The next year, George was drafted into the military during the Korean War, where after bootcamp, he went to the Army's cook school and learned how to cook for hundreds of soldiers at a time. In October 1952 his daughter Joyce was born. George was shipped out shortly after and did not see her again until he returned to the U.S. in 1954 and Joyce was 15 months old. In the years that followed, George and Jean would go on to have their son Ron, and daughters Connie and Jan. During this time, George worked odd jobs to keep food on the table, while he and Jean trusted the Lord to provide for their family. Eventually, George found stable work with the Flint Board of Education where he remained working until retirement 26 years later. George and Jean found their church family at South Baptist Church. George was on the deacon board, in the choir, taught Sunday school and became involved in the local jail ministry and the rescue mission. He supported members of his church in so many ways, including making home and hospital visitations where he encouraged others with the word of God and by singing their favorite hymns. He spoke of Christ anywhere and everywhere he went and led many to salvation. At the age of 59, George retired from working as a locksmith for the Flint Board of Education and a year later Jean retired. The two transitioned into retired life together. When asked if it was a difficult transition, George would say "it took me about 30 minutes to get used to it". Rather than filling his extra time after retirement with frivolous entertainment, George took the opportunity to spend even more time in the Word and in prayer and witnessing to and encouraging others. He went to Argentina and Quebec serving on missionary work teams. He shared his Christian faith openly and boldly, encouraging others to know the Savior as he did. George led many to the Lord and impacted countless others. He and Jean also enjoyed traveling and spending time with family. George, most often referred to as Papa, is loved by so many and will be greatly missed. But we know that meeting Jesus face-to-face was the best day of his life. He told us in his last hours that "like Paul, for me to live is Christ and to die is gain... I want whatever the Lord has for me, but I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better" When asked what he wanted to be remembered for, George answered simply "as a faithful servant of Christ". His life goal was to "be more like Jesus". And he was. "TO GOD BE THE GLORY" A funeral service will be held Tuesday, October 10 at 11:00 A.M. at First Baptist Church Plant City, 3309 James L Redman Parkway, Plant City, where the family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 A.M. Interment at Hopewell Memorial Gardens, Plant City. For those unable to attend the service, the service will be live-streamed at www.FBCPC.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be designated to Ron Self at Central Missionary Clearinghouse, CMCMissions.org/donate or PO Box 219228, Houston, Texas, 77218. Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Mr. George Everett Self

October 13, 1928 - September 28, 2023

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Mr. George Everett Self

October 13, 1928 - September 28, 2023

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