After an extended illness and at the age of 89, George Samuel Ahlfield died Tuesday, July 3, 2007, at Mary Washington Hospital.

He was born June 13, 1918, in Edwards County, Ill.

George grew up and attended school in Illinois. He left for Baltimore, Md., to accept employment as a civil service employee assigned to the newly established national Social Security program. He attended George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where he obtained bachelor's and master's degrees. He remained with the U.S. federal government throughout his career, working mostly within the General Services Administration. He also served with the U.S. Navy during World War II and remained an active member of the Naval Reserve after the war and for the duration of his career.

Prior to World War II, he met Helen Evangeline Evans, who became his wife of nearly 50 years. She and George had three sons, George William "Bill" Ahlfield of Baltimore, Md., Richard Ellis Ahlfield of Mathews County and Roderick Allan Ahlfield of Orange County. They raised their sons in Fairfax County and relocated to the Burr Hill area of Orange County upon retirement. Helen predeceased George Dec. 7, 1995. He is survived by his three sons and their wives; four granddaughters; and seven siblings in Illinois.

For many years, George was a member of the Masonic Lodge, actively participating as a greeter with the Kena Temple.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, at Zoar Baptist Church near Burr Hill, where both Helen and George were members. The Rev. Matthew Gilliam, church pastor, will officiate. At that time, memorial remarks will be made also about Helen, whose remains are being relocated from Quantico National Cemetery to Zoar Baptist Church cemetery.

Interment in the church cemetery will follow the memorial service, with a reception afterward at the church. Family and friends are invited to join.

Family members request that in lieu of flowers, any donations be sent to Zoar Baptist Church.