Obituary of George Ranowsky

George Fred Ranowsky, 89, of Lynchburg passed away Monday, June 13, 2011 at The Carrington Nursing Home. George was born August 21, 1921 in Corunna , Michigan, where he attended school and worked on his father?s farm. Along with his Country, he went to war in 1941, serving in the United States Army Air Corps. Following WWII, he worked as a policeman in Owosso, MI, and then in Dallas, TX. In the early 1950?s he settled and raised his family in Midland, TX where he served on the Midland Police Department. He subsequently took a job with Schlumberger in the Permian Basin oil-patch, was a supervisor with Jones Bros. Dirt Paving Contractor and, later, a superintendent with the Texas Highway Department. He also worked as a surveyor, ran a private detective agency with his brother-in-law, Herb Runyan, and operated a small grocery store and gas station on the Rankin Highway. In the late ?60?s he moved his family to Ludington, MI, where he served as a Deputy on the Mason County Sheriff?s Department, and later as the Mason County Drains Commissioner. He was also a 32nd degree Mason. In 2007 Following a series of small strokes, George moved with his wife, Alice, to Lynchburg, VA to be near their son, George F. (Jeff) Ranowsky II and his wonderful family. George is a believing Christian. He found a church home in each community in which he lived, including the Timberlake Baptist Church in Lynchburg . He was known in each community as a man who volunteered his time to help others wherever his skills were needed. Upon hearing of George?s death, a man who was one of the neighborhood kids in Midland, TX said: ?He definitely influenced me and, I know, many others to follow the right path. He was not only a great father, he was in my view, more importantly, a great Dad.? George was the son of the late Fred and Elva Ranowsky. He is survived by Alice Runyan Ranowsky, his wife of 65 years, and their four children: Sally Kay Armstrong (Curtis) of Dickinsen, Tx; David George Ranowsky (Kathleen) of Fairfax, VA; , George Fred (?Jeff ?) Ranowsky II (Susan); and, Marcia Lynn Schweisthal of Waterford, MI. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. A private burial will be held in Corunna, MI on Friday, June 17, 2011. A memorial service will be held Monday, June 20, 2011 at 6:00P.M. at the Timberlake Baptist Church with the Pastor Bryan Ferrell officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Timberlake Baptist Church, 21395 Timberlake Rd., Lynchburg, VA 24502. Diuguid Funeral Service & Crematory-Wiggington Road Chapel, 434-385-8900, is serving the family.