George Hanson Fussell

FUSSELL ALLIANCE, OHIO G.H. Fussell, 99 years old, died on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Born in Duplin County, NC on March 5, 1926, G.H. grew up on a farm during the Great Depression. He was the youngest of eight children, a surprise when his mother was forty-five years old. He was the apple of her eye and just maybe a little spoiled. His older sisters took care of him often and he was like an older brother to his nephews, J.C., Bert, and Bob. He learned about loving and caring for others from his parents, who opened their home and served many meals to the homeless or ill. His grandfather was the lay preacher at their little Methodist church and a frequent guest at their Sunday dinners. G.H. gave his heart to Jesus and stayed true to his faith until he died. He started first grade at four years old, tagging along behind his brother, Robert Lee, and graduated from high school in 1942. He enjoyed working in his grandfather’s grocery store until he was drafted into the army at 18 years old. He lost his leg in WW2 during basic training and believed God had spared him, because many of the boys in his company died in the Battle of the Bulge. After a long recovery, G.H. used the G.I. Bill to go to Louisburg College. There he met his wife, Marie Hazelwood; they married in 1948, and were married 46 years. He finished school at East Carolina State Teachers College, now East Carolina University, and they had four children in quick succession. G.H. taught high school history but moved on to be an underwriter at Nationwide Insurance to better support his family. Frequently promoted, G.H. and his family lived in Raleigh, NC, Columbus, OH, Annapolis, MD, Canton, OH, and Worthington, OH. He was on the board of Goodwill and served in numerous roles at church and in the community. After retirement, he and Marie settled in Marie’s hometown of Madison, NC, where he was a gentleman farmer and great neighbor, helping many. He was quiet about helping, but the stories of his deeds were told by those he helped. G.H. and Marie were active members of Bethesda Methodist Church, singing in the choir and teaching Sunday School. It wasn’t long after Marie’s death in 1994 that G.H. decided he didn’t want to be alone. Friends introduced him to Nancy Moulds, who had also lost her spouse, and they married in 1996. G.H. was now George for the rest of his life, except to his beloved nephews and nieces in NC, who would continue to know him as G.H. George and Nancy had a wonderful second act, loving life and building a beach house together, where they alternated having his family or hers for holidays. Family continued to be important to both George and Nancy and they were able to attend many family weddings, graduations, and special events. Those were precious times. In 2021 George had an infection that required medical care and made it impossible to continue taking care of Nancy and living in their apartment. He moved to OH, alternating between his son and daughter’s houses. It was difficult, as Nancy’s condition required her to be placed in a memory care unit, but he visited as often as he could. Four wonderful years passed, with family members and dear friends learning from his wisdom, financial advice, humor, generosity, and steadfast faith. Throughout his life he was very pragmatic, a loving caretaker, disciplined and amazingly proactive. On Thursday, March 27th he departed this life to be with his Lord and Savior, surrounded by family singing Amazing Grace. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Marie, and his daughter, Melanie. Surviving is his loving wife of nearly 29 years, Nancy Ann Fussell; his children Georgia (Rich) George of Alliance, OH, Andy Fussell of Canton, OH, Barry (Jane) Fussell of Durham, NH, Mike Moulds of Vienna, MD, Nina Moulds, of Atlanta, GA, Cathy (Scott) Piehler of Pittsburgh, PA; beloved grandchildren Kevin Fussell, Rachel (Scott) Normand, Toby George, Patrick (Carol) Moulds, Stephen (Ashley) Moulds, Mara (Jake) Schwendiman, Erin (Jeremy) Kaufmann, Lauren (Ryan) Jackson, Rae Lynn (Kevin) Ralph, Kayla, Greg, and Abbey Piehler; and 18 great grandchildren who brought him much joy! There will be a 1;00 pm graveside service held on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Bethesda Methodist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Fussell Family Cemetery, Inc. P.O. Box 611 Rose Hill, NC 28458. The family welcomes online condolences at www.burroughsfuneralhome.com. Burroughs Funeral Home of Walnut Cove is proud to serve the Fussell family during this time.

George Hanson Fussell

March 5, 1926 - March 27, 2025