George Rolling Obituary

Reverend George Leslie Rolling III

April 10, 1947 -

January 10, 2025

JOHNSON CITY - Reverend George Leslie Rolling III, age 77, died at 4:08 PM on Friday, January 10, 2025 in Johnson City, TN. He was born April 10, 1947 in Ilion, NY, the son of the late George and Julia Rolling.

After graduating from Ilion High School in 1965, George attended Albany State University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology before entering Princeton Theological Seminary where he earned his Master of Divinity.

Following graduation, George was ordained a minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and spent his career pastoring churches in Ohio, North Carolina, and Tennessee. He retired from full-time ministry in 2015.

In 1971, he married Jo Ann Arnold with whom he raised three children, one son and two daughters.

George served as pastor of Coalbrook Presbyterian Church in Neffs, OH; Belmont Presbyterian Church in Key Ridge, OH; Shelby Presbyterian Church in Shelby, NC; Watauga Avenue Presbyterian Church in Johnson City, TN; and Jennie Moore Memorial Presbyterian Church, in Flag Pond, TN. During those years he served as a foster parent, directed summer camps, led mission trips, served in ministry to the homeless, sang in church choirs, directed youth ministry, and taught Bible studies at the YMCA and senior center, preaching and living out the Good News of Jesus with consistency and heart.

In addition to church ministry, George participated in men's softball and volleyball and was a regular on the chain gang at Shelby High School football games.

George was a devoted runner. His running career began in high school on the track and cross-country teams and carried into his years running cross country at Albany State University. During his running career, he ran many marathons, including the Boston Marathon, Charlotte Marathon, Columbus Marathon, Kiawah Island Marathon, Elby's 20K in Wheeling, WV, and many other regional races, running his last race in 2018.

George had the heart of a servant. He was a loving husband, a devoted father, a cherished grandfather, a faithful shepherd of his flock, and a loyal friend. George loved beach vacations with his family, visits to the family farm at Hans Creek, West Virginia, singing in church choirs, donuts, ice cream, the New York Yankees, and the many dogs he and Jo loved over their 54 years of marriage. His good-natured laugh, his ornery grin, and his trademark Donald Duck voice made him a beloved and joyful presence in any gathering. He loved well and was loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Jo Ann; one son, Michael (Leah) Rolling (New Concord, OH); two daughters, Erin Jones (Augusta, GA), and Nikki Rolling (Jonesborough, TN); three grandchildren, Caleb (Alayna) Rolling, Luke (Laura) Rolling, and Lydia Rolling; his sister, Catherine Rolling (Greenville, WV); and five nieces.

Friends are invited to call Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 10:30 AM – noon at Watauga Ave. Presbyterian Church in Johnson City, TN with a memorial service officiated by Rev. Dr. Fred Rose immediately following. Interment will be at a later date at the family's convenience. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Watauga Ave. Presbyterian Church., 610 E. Watauga Ave., Johnson City, TN 37601 or Jennie Moore Memorial Presbyterian Church, 284 Jennie Moore Rd., Flag Pond, TN 37650.

Mountain Empire cremation and burial services are honored to serve the family of Mr. George Leslie Rolling III. (423)913-4818