Sherman, Texas -- George Frank Church was born on July 1, 1935 to the late Riley Church and Annie (Brown) Church in Antlers, Oklahoma.

He moved to Maysville, Oklahoma in the summer of 1951 where he met the love of his life, Lillian (Frederick) Church, at the age of sixteen. Anyone who knew George, knew how deeply he loved her. They married on September 1, 1956 and lived out their years building a family they adored, working and making a difference in education, and cheering on their Oklahoma Sooners. George talked and thought about Lillian every single day since her passing, and 12 years later they are finally reunited.

George attended Maysville High School, where he was involved in various varsity sports. He was proud of all the lifelong friends he made there and the opportunity to attend the University of Oklahoma. He was recruited on a full scholarship to play football at OU. Before starting his college career, he was injured in the All-State football game, and was fortunate enough to attend OU on a full track scholarship. He lettered all four years, throwing shot put and discus, ending his track career as co-captain.

He graduated from the University of Oklahoma and obtained a Master’s Degree from East Texas State. The majority of his career was spent in administration in the Sherman ISD, retiring in 1994. He loved the time he spent in education and talked so fondly of his years spent there and all the friends he made along the way. He received numerous honors highlighting his commitment to youth. He was a proud member of the ROTC at OU and enlisted in the army in 1958. He was honorably discharged as Captain in 1968.

George was an avid fisherman and hunter, spending lots of time outdoors any chance he got. He could tell you about any type of wildlife and almost always had a personal story to go along with it. He had a love of Oklahoma history and spent a lot of his free time hunting arrowheads. He had a stupendous memory, colossal imagination, and even bigger heart. He could connect with anyone he came in contact with.

George wore his title of “Bop” proudly and was the absolute best grandpa and great-grandpa. He enjoyed traveling to watch his granddaughters’ dance competitions, seeing his grandson’s photography work, and spending countless hours with his great-grandchildren and family.

George is survived by his daughter, Terri Sandridge (David) of Plano, TX; son, Bruce Church (Pamela) of Lynchburg, TN; grandchildren, Lesley Mack (Andrew) of Prosper, TX, Mycah West (Jon) of Plano,TX, Carly Clark (Jake) of Allen, TX, and George Church (Janessa) of Parker, CO; great-grandchildren, AJ, Logan and Quinn Mack, Lillian and Danielle West, and Ridge Clark; brother-in-law, Bill Barnes of Haslet, TX; nieces, Kelli Blackwelder (Billy), and Jayme Church-Busby; nephew, Brent Church; and great-niece and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Church; granddaughter, Lauren Sandridge; brothers, Riley Church (Jimmie), and Robert Church; sister-in-law, Janice Barnes; and parents, Riley and Annie Church.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Peggy Miller and Joyce Macheria and the entire staff at the Conservatory at Plano who cared for our Bop.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am, on June 20, 2026, in the Waldo Funeral Home Chapel, 619 N. Travis St., Sherman, TX 75090. Officiating the service will be Rev. Louella Williams of Virginia Point Methodist Church.

Burial will be at Cedarlawn Memorial Park in Sherman, TX.