George Manning

George Manning, 86, said his loving goodbyes to his earthly family and his joyous hellos to Jesus and his
heavenly family on Wednesday, November 24, 2021.
George was born on October 4, 1935, and raised with his family of 9 in Salem, OH. His family didn’t have
a car and no one in his family had been to college. But he did well in school and some of his high school
teachers encouraged him. So upon graduation, George hitchhiked to the University of Cincinnati and
enrolled in mechanical engineering. He paid for college with a co-op program, and graduated in 1958
near the top of his class.
Upon graduation, George chose to work for the Battelle Memorial Institute, the largest not-for-profit
Research and Development organization in the world. First, however, he was called up to serve as an
Army Lieutenant, first at Ft. Bliss, TX, and later at Ft. Knox. After returning to Battelle, George created
the “Iron Byron”—a machine modeling the perfect swing of Byron Nelson. True Temper was so
impressed that they hired George to manage their golf shaft division. In 1979, George brought his
expertise to Louisville, where he helped H&B develop new Powerbilt golf clubs and aluminum Louisville
Sluggers. George retired from H&B decades later.
The highlight of George’s time at Battelle was meeting Doris, the love of his life and wife of 62 years.
(She invited him on their first date to an Ohio State Buckeyes game in Columbus)! George is survived by
Doris, his daughter, Amy (Dave), son, Todd (Elizabeth), and grandchildren, Molly (Drew), Craig, Abby,
Clay, Julia, Ruthie and Nathan—and new great-granddaughter, Charlotte. His father, mother, a brother
and sister preceded him in death, while his step-mother, 3 brothers and a sister live on.
George loved his family dearly. He also loved golfing with his friends and traveling. He was a committed
servant to Crestwood UMC for over 4 decades, a pillar of the Oldham County community, and a devoted
sports fan.
A Celebration of Life for George will be held at 5pm, Friday, Dec 3, at Crestwood Methodist. Doors will
open an hour early for those wishing to share their respects with family. In lieu of flowers, the family
requests donations be made to Crestwood Methodist, the Shriners Hospital for Children, or the Prostate
Cancer Foundation.

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