Rev. George William Alley Jr., 72 of Sherwood, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at 4:00 PM on December 19, 2020, at Lima Memorial Health Systems.

George was born August 29, 1948, in Dayton, to George Sr. and Edna (Smart) Alley, who preceded him in death. On August 16, 1969, he married Bertha Mae (Walker) Alley, who survives him in Sherwood.

George was a graduate of Colonel White High School and earned his Bachelor’s of Theology from Open Bible College in Dayton. He was the pastor of Sherwood Open Bible Church and also worked as an independent insurance agent for several companies. Before becoming an independent agent, George worked at Western Southern Insurance, Manufactured Housing Incorporated, JC Penney in Ft. Wayne and Jamestown, NY and he pastored Jamestown Open Bible Church in New York. His greatest love was the Lord, helping people and serving Christ; this year he celebrated 50 years as a minister. George held Bible studies at the Senior Center in Paulding, church services at Harborside Healthcare in Bryan and youth group at Open Bible Church. He was a Cub Scout and Boy Scouts Trainer of the Trainer for Defiance County for many years. He was also a mentor with the Boy Scouts and helped them achieve their Eagle Scouts. George was the president of the Sherwood Ministerial Association, and a member of the Friends of the Sherwood Library. He volunteered at the Sherwood Food Pantry and was in charge of the Sherwood Open Bible Helping Hands Fund. His family finds comfort in knowing that God called him home by saying “Well done, good and faithful servant. Well done”.

George enjoyed collecting bald eagles and reading. He was an avid Ohio State and Cincinnati Reds fan. George was a talented wood worker and designed kitchens and cabinets for mobile homes for many years. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife of 52 years, George is survived by his children, Christy (David) Kretzer and Brian David Alley; grandchildren, Mackenzie (Zach) Long and Cody (Alishia) Kretzer; sister, Mary Alley; adopted sister, Carolyn Rountree; brothers-in-law, Richard (Debbie) Walker and Harold Walker and numerous nephews, nieces and special friends.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters, Shirley Ann Alley, Verna Alley and Joyce Alley.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alley family.