George Edward DeViney, loving and hardworking husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on July 16, 2020. He was born December 18, 1928, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to Myrtle Alice and Paul David DeViney. George, known to everyone as Buddy, adored growing up in Pine Bluff with his grandparents, and in particular his grandfather who was a conductor for the Cotton Belt Railway. Buddy joined the Navy in 1947 and honorably served four years on the USS Stickell as a Gunners Mate Third Class sailor. He received honors such as the Korean Service Medal with one star, the China Service Medal, and a Navy Occupation Service Medal. Buddy loved to recount all of his experiences aboard the ship and throughout his service. After his service, Buddy worked for Memphis Light, Gas and Water until he retired in 1979 with 27 years, 4 months and 3 days of service. He was proud of his long and dedicated career with one employer. As proud as he was of his Naval service and MLGW career, his biggest accomplishment was his family. Buddy met his wife, Geraldine Prater DeViney, on a blind date and was happily married for 68 years. He was a loving father to three children: Carolyn, George, Jr. and David. He taught his children how to play corkball, coached his sons in baseball, and taught his daughter to keep score. Buddy loved beginning his day with that first cup of coffee in the morning, which his children now love, too. He loved to come home from a long day of work and sit with a dachshund on his lap as he watched Sanford and Sons or Hee Haw. He was a lover of all animals, but especially his dachshunds. He would even take his young family of five on vacations to Florida in a two-door Gran Torino, with a dachshund and water bowl on the floor of the car. Buddy could always make you laugh, and you always knew you could count on him. Buddy is preceded in death by his parents and beloved sister Betty Butts, as well as granddaughter Ashley Nichols and grandson Josh DeViney. He leaves behind his adoring family: Wife Jerre DeViney, children Carolyn Hicks (Bob), Georgie DeViney (Tonya), and David DeViney (Dana); grandchildren Ellie Campbell (Scott), Sophie DeViney, Tess DeViney, Lexie Johnston (Ryan), Claire Tipps (Peter), and Madison DeViney; as well as many great grandchildren, and even great-great grandchildren. Buddy loved God and could be found reading his Bible every night before bed. He had a beautiful voice and could often be heard whistling one of his favorite hymns, Ill Fly Away . Buddy would want his family and friends to know his favorite saying that hes glad you got to see him; let him know if theres anything you can do for him.
A private family-only service will be held on July 31st in the Rotunda at West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the WiseHeart Foundation, Transforming Tanzania-water project, 6070 Poplar Avenue, Suite 150, Memphis, TN 38119, or to the Diabetes Foundation at Diabetes.org in the name of George Edward Buddy DeViney.

Matthew 25:21 Well done thou good and faithful servant.

High Point Funeral Home & Crematorium
3788 Summer Avenue
Memphis, TN 38122
901-454-5795