George William Warren IV passed away peacefully in Raleigh, N.C., on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at the age of 82, surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Paula Warren; daughter, Elizabeth Forsythe and her husband Tom; daughter, Ashley Gresham and her husband Scott; two grandsons, McCoy and Brock Forsythe; and a sister-in-law, Linda Powers O'Dell.

George's life was distinguished by a strong sense of duty, both to his country and his fellow man. A 1964 graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, he served as a captain in the Army (First Air Cavalry Division) during the Vietnam War. During his 1968-69 tour of duty, he engaged in numerous civic action projects to assist the Vietnamese people, such as obtaining food, clothing and medical care. He was awarded the Bronze Star medal when he rescued a child who had been badly burned, rushing him through enemy territory to a military hospital.

George was a 1967 graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law. He viewed the practice of law as a calling, and, as an attorney, he gave his all to helping his clients. He dedicated many hours to social justice programs, such as Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) and the American Civil Liberties Union. He also served as the executive director of the Legal Aid Society in Richmond in the 1970s.

George was known for his encyclopedic knowledge of history, literature, art, current events and politics. He was also possessed of a great spirit of adventure. The family always enjoyed the camping and mountain horseback riding trips he planned. He loved his family and saw himself as their protector. He also loved animals, and his daughters grew up surrounded by cats, dogs, horses, mules, ducks and goats while living in HanoverCounty.

When he retired from the practice of law, George became the executive director of the Rockbridge Historical Society in Lexington. He enjoyed planning the quarterly programs, open to the public. These were hugely popular and very well attended. The organization’s acclaimed newsletters are located at the Virginia State Library in Richmond.

A private celebration of life service will be held at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Raleigh, N.C. Condolences to the family can be sent to Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Raleigh.  

Those wishing to honor George's memory may consider a donation to the George C. Marshall Foundation.