George Washington Kearns

In Loving Memory of George Washington Kearns George Washington Kearns, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026, at Sentara Hospital in Woodbridge, Virginia, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 22, 1937, in Alexandria, Virginia. George was raised primarily by his mother alongside his six brothers in a two-room shack built by his father. They lived without electricity or running water and learned from an early age how to work hard, live off the land, and take care of one another. Those humble beginnings shaped the strong, hardworking, generous man George would become. George loved telling people that his mother named him George Washington Kearns because he was born on the birthday of our first President. It was fitting that his very first job was at Mount Vernon. He began working there as a busboy as a teenager and worked his way up to becoming a security guard. After his wife inherited E & M Garage, George became a mechanic and used-car salesman, working there until his retirement at the age of 62. Retirement, however, never really meant slowing down for George. He went on to work with his son’s tree business and later with a friend’s tree company, where he became known for outworking men less than half his age. Hard work was simply part of who he was. George could also be remembered as the neighborhood watchman. He loved taking long walks with his dog Hercules, one of many beloved dogs who shared his life. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, working on jigsaw puzzles, and watching old country westerns. He also collected cans for burn victims through a program at his church, always finding ways to help others. In his later years, George devoted himself to caring for his beloved wife, Helen, as she battled Alzheimer’s disease. They had met as teenagers and shared nearly 70 years of marriage. Their life together was a testament to enduring love, loyalty, and commitment. Above all, family was everything to George. It never mattered whether you were immediate family or a distant cousin—if you were family, George was there for you. He would do whatever he could to help, and he loved attending family reunions and calling relatives on the phone simply to check in and make sure they were doing well. His love for his family was unwavering, and his presence brought comfort, laughter, and a sense of belonging to generations of those who knew him. George was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen Kearns, and his brothers Marion Kearns, Clarence Kearns, Jimmy Kearns, Eddie Kearns, and Roy Kearns. He leaves behind his brother, Ryland Kearns; daughter, Susan Rudy (Greg); son, Randy Kearns; granddaughter, Jessie Kearns; and grandsons, Matt Rudy (Jackie) and Mark Rudy, along with extended family and friends who will forever cherish his memory. George’s life was one of hard work, devotion, generosity, and an unwavering love for family. He leaves behind a legacy that will live on in the stories his family tells, the lessons he taught, and the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. A small graveside service for close friends and family will be held at Mount Comfort Cemetery, where George will be laid to rest. A larger Celebration of Life honoring both George and his beloved wife, Helen, will be held in the coming months, allowing all those who knew and loved them to come together to celebrate their lives, their love, and the beautiful legacy they left behind. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or The Salvation Army.

George Washington Kearns

February 22, 1937 - August 24, 2026