George C. Lessig

George C. Lessig, 97, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 5, 2023. He is survived by his wife Martha M. Lessig; his children, Paige L. Arnup (Brendon) and Brian A. Lessig (Andrea); grandchildren River Lessig and Riley Lessig; sister-in-law Ann Lessig; niece Lenore Veresh and nephew Joe Lessig; his great nieces and great nephew, Laura Lind (Charles), Andrea Veresh, Clara Lessig and Zach Lessig (Kylene). He is preceded in death by his brother Joseph Watson Lessig and his parents Mina and Joseph Lessig.

George graduated from Chattanooga High School in 1944 and was then commissioned into the Navy that same year after serving briefly in the Merchant Marines. He served overseas during WW2. After his service during the war, George attended college at UT Knoxville where he received his BS degree in Transportation with a minor in History. Upon graduation, George received his commission as a 2nd LT in the Active Army Reserve. He attended and graduated from the Command and General Staff College at Leavenworth, Kansas. His final assignment was with the 3397th USAR Garrison Unit in Chattanooga, TN. He retired as a Colonel in 1986 with the Army of the United States. George was employed in the transportation department at Bowater Southern for 40 years and retired in 1994. George was an avid reader and a lover of history and classical music. He was co- founder and inaugural President of the Cleveland Creative Arts Guild in addition to being very active for many years in Cleveland Community Concerts.

George met his wife Martha on a blind date, they married in 1958 and were married almost 65 years. They shared common interests that included travel and community involvement. They had two children, Paige and Brian Lessig. The Lessig family have been long time members of First Baptist Church, where Martha was organist for 58 years. George and Martha enjoyed time with their family at their cabin on Ocoee Lake, had many friends and hosted New Year’s Eve parties at their home for 35 consecutive years. At the center of their full lives, was their strong faith and belief in God and their love for family and friends.

A private military funeral for close friends and family to honor his service to his country will be held at 1:30 pm on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 12, 2023, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the Companion Funeral Home located at 2415 Georgetown Road NW in Cleveland, TN. A service celebrating his life will commence at 1:00 PM with the Reverend Tom Wickes officiating.

You are encouraged to share a memory of George and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home and the Cody family are honored to assist his family with these arrangements.