George Elvis Vestal

George Elvis Vestal, 92, of Salem passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023, from natural causes.

George was born December 30, 1930, to his parents Clarence & Annie Vestal in Humboldt, Tennessee.  In 1951, he enlisted in the Navy and spent time abroad. While enlisted, he received numerous medals, including the Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and China Service Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1955.

George married his wife Alma on May 3, 1958. George & Alma moved to Salem, from Jackson, Tennessee in 1968, with their three oldest children, David, Cindy and Terry. The two youngest children Tracy and Cory were both born after the couple moved to Salem. After taking Automotive Mechanic courses in the Navy, George went on to own and operate several service stations in Salem for over 40 years.

George was preceded in death in 2017 by Alma, his wife of 58 years, as well as his son Tracy in 2018. George is survived by his son, David Vestal of Salem, his daughter, Cindy Vestal Mitchell of Damascus, his son and daughter-in law, Terry & Kim Vestal of Turner, his son and daughter-in-law, Cory & Kelli Vestal of Salem and five grandchildren, with one still on the way.

Throughout his life, he always enjoyed playing golf, fishing and bowling. He continued fishing and bowling into his 80’s. One of his favorite pastimes was to read a good western book while smoking his pipe or a cigar in his “Pretty Red Truck”. George will always be remembered for his kind heart and his willingness to help those in need.  He will be greatly loved and missed by all that had the honor of knowing him. He was one of a kind and always made sure to do the best he could with what he had.

George will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland. A celebration of life is being held on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home, 134 Missouri Ave. S, Salem OR 97302.