George William Cage, 84, formerly of Denver, N.C.; Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and Lancaster, S.C. passed from this world on February 13, 2023.

He was preceded in death by his wife of almost 50 years, Patsy Ruth (Petty); his parents, John William and Opal Elizabeth (Pruitt); brother, Robert Lee ("Bob") Sr Chief PO USN ret.; grandson, William "Porter"; sister-in-law, Carrie Sevier; and several brothers-in-law, including John Robert Petty Jr., CWO USMC (Peggy) who died in service to his country in Vietnam.

He is survived by his sons, John "Kevin" (Brenda) and William Jeffrey ("Jeff"); his grandchildren, Mallory Cage-Beck (Josh), Stefanie, Karson, Keaton and Briggs; sisters-in-law, Joan Cage, Myra Hayes, and Jo Dillehay; brother-in-law, William Petty (Charlotte); and former daughter-in-law, Karen. From Patsy's family fifteen nieces and nephews (too numerous to name), and his brother's three children Sandy, Terry, and John, Captain USN.

George was born April 17, 1938, in Carthage, Tennessee and grew up in middle Tennessee, graduating from Gallatin High School in 1956. After high school, George joined the U.S. Navy where he entered submarine service. He was a proud "plank holder" of the U.S.S. George Washington, our nation's first nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine. A member of the "blue" crew, he was the first fully qualified enlisted seaman on board the George Washington and this included nuclear reactor operations. He was aboard for the very first test launch of the Polaris nuclear missile, protecting our country during the "Cold War".

George left the Navy in 1961 joining Duke Power for the emerging commercial nuclear power industry. His first assignment was Operations at the "PARR" nuclear plant near Columbia, SC. PARR was the southeast's first nuclear power plant created by a consortium of Carolina Power & Light, Duke Power, SC Electric & Gas Company, and Virginia Electric & Power Company. George then worked at Duke Power's Oconee Nuclear Station and McGuire Nuclear Station. He was present when McGuire Unit 1 first went "critical" in August 1981 and completed his time there as Superintendent of Operations.  From the General Office, he continued to support Duke's nuclear plants and retired after 32 years with the company. After retirement, George continued to provide consulting services for the nuclear industry for several years.

George retired to Myrtle Beach mostly due to Patsy's love of everything beach. George was not quite as  interested,  rarely letting the sand touch his toes. George and Patsy traveled the country (and the world), mostly in RVs which were a far cry from the first blue canvas tent located on the front row of a Myrtle Beach campground. George and Patsy enjoyed great friendship with their Myrtle Beach neighbors especially Allen and Joan Kelly, Dennis and Kathy Herron and Randy and Josie Leonard. After Patsy's death, George met and loved Pennsylvania transplant, Dottie Bane. They had a very social calendar with family and friends, traveled a lot, and played a game or two of cards.

George never met a stranger and could talk to anyone about anything and everything. He instilled discipline, respect, courtesy, and kindness in his two sons. He could fix anything and never seemed to lose his cool.  He truly enjoyed life, especially with music like Waylon, Willie, and the Boys. He was a model father of great intelligence and wisdom and will be sorely missed. From such humble beginnings, he accomplished so much.

George will join Patsy in their hometown of Gallatin at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either The Salvation Army or Memory & Movement of Charlotte (www.mmclt.org) or a charity of your choice.

A celebration of life will be planned for a future date.