George “G.T.” Mayo

George “G.T.” Mayo, 87, of Amarillo died Monday, August 8, 2016.

On Friday, August 12, 2016 the family held a graveside service at the Citizen’s Cemetery in Clarendon. A “Celebration of Life” memorial was held on Saturday morning, August 13th at Temple Baptist Church in Amarillo. Pastor Richard Dickerson will officiate as we celebrate the life of this beloved man, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

G.T. was born March 14, 1929, in Clarendon and was raised by a Godly mother and grandmother. He graduated Clarendon High School, Clarendon Junior College, and received his BBA and Masters in Education from West Texas State University.

G.T. served in the First Marine Division during the Korean War. He was one of the “Frozen Chosin” who fought their way out of the Chosin Reservoir. He received the Purple Heart and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sargent.

G.T. was a teacher and administrator with the Amarillo Independent School District. He began teaching in 1957 at San Jacinto Elementary, served as principal from 1962 through 1965 at Glenwood Elementary and retired from Lee Bivins Elementary in 1985.

After his service with the marines and with the help of his good friend (and future brother-in-law) Joe C. Smith, G.T. met Laura Lou Smith while attending Clarendon Junior College. She couldn’t resist his starched khakis and crisp white shirt and they were married June 7, 1955. Sixty-one years together saw the birth and raising of: their children, Melinda Gunn and husband Gil, Joel Mayo and his wife Bambi; their grandchildren Corey Gunn, Caitlin Belisario and her husband Luis, Jake Mayo and Abby Mayo; and their great granddaughter, Ellie Belisario.

G.T. loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and led his family with his quiet strength, gentle hand and sly sense of humor. He was a faithful member of Temple Baptist Church, joining with Lou in 1957 and serving as a Sunday School Teacher, Deacon and Sunday School Director before his passing. His greatest aspiration (which he saw achieved) was that each of his children and grandchildren find and follow Jesus.

G.T. and Lou loved to travel, especially with family. Christmas in the mountains with the kids was always a special time. They enjoyed sights and adventures in all fifty states, many on numerous occasions. Even so, at the house with Lou in Amarillo was always “home”.

G.T.’s passing will be mourned by those of us who will miss him dearly, but much shouting and rejoicing was surely heard throughout heaven on the day he met up with Jesus in his forever home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to:

The G.T. Mayo Memorial Scholarship Fund, Clarendon College, PO Box 968, Clarendon, Texas 79226, Attention: Ashlee Estlack