He was born in East Cleveland on June 9, 1946 to George William and Evelyn Milta (Fry) Hazel. Later when the family moved to Wayne, Ohio, George graduated from Elmwood High School in 1964 and Tiffin University in 1974.
A decorated Army veteran, George served in both Germany and Vietnam. He spent four years as a radio technician and was discharged with honor as a sergeant.
After working for Toledo Trust, Bernard Engraving and Walter Gogel Co.; George finally fulfilled a dream of owning his own business. Springtime Manufacturing on Hazelwood St. in Toledo supplies custom made springs, tiny to huge, all over the world. He has been semiretired for two years.
George was the kind of man who could fix almost anything and loved the challenges. Caring for his lawn and home, he enjoyed small jobs around the house. To highlight their lives, George and his family went camping and traveled the U.S. and abroad.
George was an ultimate performer. His love of being on stage began in high school and continued with participation in the Velvetone Choraliers for 25 years and the Seaway Commanders Barbershop Group. He loved making people laugh. In productions of the Oregon Community Theater and church plays, he was always the comic relief and his singing performances were always a hit.
He called Faith United Methodist his church for 25 years, and for the last 11 years has been a member of Hope Community Church. Teaching children in Sunday school was just one way he lived his faith.
Although George lived a life of accomplishments, it was his family that filled the largest portion of his heart. He was the perfect example of a loving Christian husband, father, and grandfather. He met his wife, Shannon, in church choir practice on a Thursday, they were engaged on Saturday of the same week, and they were married three weeks later on August 3, 1968. It was “love at first sight”, and they spent 46 amazing years together in church, singing in choirs, when available.
He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Sean Doggett. Family left to grieve George are his wife, Shannon Elizabeth; daughter, Heather Hazel-Doggett; son, Keevan (Jen) Hazel; grandsons, Aiden and Lucius Doggett; sister, Carol Hatch of Knoxville; nieces, Marcy and Megan and two cousins. He is also missed by his beloved dog, Bubba.
A memorial service celebrating George’s life will be held at Hope Community Church in Oregon on Sunday, December 7th at 4 p.m., with family greeting after 2 p.m. The family invites all to share a time of food, fellowship and remembering following the service.
Memorial contributions received will be put into a trust for George’s grandsons. Please no flowers; George despised cut flowers.