George Wilhelm, 86, of Columbus passed away at Ridge Rest on Nov. 12, 2013.

He was the son of the late George J. and Josephine Demane Wilhelm.

He graduated from the Jones Beach, NY Police Academy and retired as Lieutenant for the New York State Parkway Police. He served in the Navy during WWII aboard the USS Hidalgo and was honorably discharged as Petty Officer 3rd Class.

He was a member and volunteer at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church and was an active member of the Landrum Lions Club. He was a dedicated volunteer for Hospice of the Carolina Foothills and was an accomplished furniture maker and woodworker.

He is survived by three children, Anne Albert (husband Martin) of Murfreesboro, TN, Jean Eckert (husband John) of Columbus, Thomas Hammill (Wife Christy) of Rock Hill, SC and; seven grandchildren, Timothy Albert, Adam Albert, David Eckert, Christopher Eckert, Michele Hammill, Heathar Collins and Matthew McCraw; and nine great grandchildren.

He is also survived by a beloved cousin, Maureen Ryan Lahiff of Goshen, NY.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Deborah McCraw.

The family would like to express their thanks to Ridge Rest for the care they provided to George over the past six years and to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills for making his last months as comfortable and peaceful as possible.

A memorial mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church Nov. 30, 2013 at 10 a.m. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Dr., Columbus, NC 28722.

Condolences may be left at www.pettyfuneralhome.com.