Throughout his 51 years as an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA), George Oehler shared these words as part of his baptismal prayer, “God, give him what he shall need tomorrow. Enough tears to keep him tender. Enough hurts to keep him human. Enough failure to keep his hand clenched to yours. Enough success to make him sure he walks with you. May he never depart from you. And, after a life of care and service to his master, take him to be with you in your heavenly kingdom – through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
George completed his life of care and service, passing away on January 17, 2024.
Raised in North Carolina, his life always centered on the care of his community. Eagle Scout. Army Captain. Vietnam Veteran. Non-profit board president. Advocate for the “least of these.” Counselor. Friend. He served as pastor at churches in North Carolina, West Virginia, and Virginia.
Holding his hand in love, support, and on the dance floor since he was 16 was his wife of 59 years, Jaynelle Goodnight Oehler. Carrying on his love of the beach, books, ice cream, and “family time” are his children Philip (Stacey) and Emily (John), and his grandsons Walter and Ben.
He embodied his family’s legacy of faith and education earning his Bachelor’s from Davidson College (Davidson, NC), Master’s of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary (Richmond, VA), and Doctorate of Divinity from the Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary in Virginia (Alexandria, VA).
All are welcome at his Service of Witness to the Resurrection at 2:00pm on Sunday, January 21, at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church at 215 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, VA. A reception will follow. The family will have a private burial in Alexandria, Virginia at a later date.
Loved ones can celebrate his life with donations to the joy-filled music program at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church at (www.myWPC.org) or to the compassionate care centered Amedisys Hospice Foundation at www.amedisys/about/foundation.
“Happy trails” Papa… until we meet again.