George Thomas Walsh (Champ) left this earth to join his wife and son in glory on February 2, 2026, on his father's Birthday.

Champ was born May 16, 1935 in Wilkes County.  Raised on a farm, he learned a love for the land that never left him. For generations his family made white liquor but his was the best according to him! Junior Johnson would run his product for him. Champ made many friends that he never forgot and would often talk about.   He was employed by Clement Brothers and oversaw the construction of Highway 321, Highway 421, the McDonald Parkway, and McGuire Nuclear Dam.  He became self-employed after leaving Clement Brothers, working on diesel trucks.  After retirement, he kept the Blue Ridge Energy fleet in tip-top shape.  He was a master storyteller and a proficient beekeeper.

He is proceeded in death by his wife, Ellen Louise Borders Walsh and son, George T. Walsh, Jr.

He is survived by his remaining sibling, Phyllis Page of Florida; his children, Ellen Walsh of Raleigh, Robert Walsh and wife Wendy of Lenoir, Susan Walsh of Georgia, Lisa Union of Lenoir, Sid Walsh and wife Jennifer of Lenoir, and Georgette Sentell and husband Donnie of Granite Falls.  He has fifteen grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren. The family would like to give a special Thank You to Justine Janyssek with Carolina Caring for all of her care and friendship with Dad.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Joby Borders officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior from 11:00 - 1:00 P.M. at the funeral home.  Interment to follow at Elk Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests donations to be made to Carolina Caring of Catawba County; 3975 Robinson Road, Suite B, Newton, NC 28658.

Pallbearers will be Robert Walsh, Sid Walsh, Andrew Parlier, Sidney Walsh, Larkin Walsh, Lucas Sentell, and Donnie Sentell.

Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory of Lenoir are serving the Walsh family.