George Phillip Golden, Jr., was born on June 15, 1951, in Alliance, Ohio. He passed away peacefully at his home in Aurora, Ohio on December 8, 2024 in the arms of his loving wife.

George (a.k.a Beaver) was a devoted husband of 39 years to Virginia Cargile Golden and a loving father to his son, Gerrod (Shelica) Golden of Dayton, Ohio, and foster daughter Lola Cooper of Ravenna, Ohio. He was the proud grandfather of Dae’Shna Golden, Angelia Santos, Geniya Golden, and Gerrod Golden Jr., as well as great-grandfather of A’Zair Golden. He is also survived by his sister, Teresa (Kent) McClelland of North Canton, Ohio; brothers Rod Golden of Alliance, Ohio and Ernest (Tiffany) Golden of Indianapolis, Indiana; brother-in-law Jeffery Cargile of Tampa, Florida; sister-in-law Reneé Evans of Cleveland, Ohio; his first wife Lynda Martin of Dayton, Ohio with whom he shared his son Gerrod Golden; cousin/brother Aldonis Grimes of University Heights, Ohio; friend/sister Linda Harvey of Cleveland, Ohio; friend/sister Loretta Wells of Cleveland, Ohio; and a host of extended family members, including aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. George was preceded in death by his parents, George P. Golden, Sr., and Betty R. Golden; mother-in-law Georgia Cargile-Chapman; brother and sister-in-law James and Vanessa Cargile and grandson Kamell Golden.

An all-around athlete, George excelled in sports at Alliance High School and Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, where he was chosen as tri-captain of the football team. He proudly served in the Army Reserves from 1986 to 1992. Academically accomplished, he earned two Master’s Degrees from Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University in Social Science Administration and School Counseling.

George pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity through the Phi Sigma Chapter in Cleveland, Ohio. George crossed the burning sands with seven other Brothers known as “The Elegant Eight”. George’s line name was “Sedimentary Rock”. He served as lamp President. The Brothers were initiated on May 27, 1972. “The Elegant Eight” line became the bloodline for the Pi Zeta Chapter at Baldwin Wallace University. George was an outstanding member of the fraternity. In 2017, he was Omega Man of the year of the Zeta Omega Chapter. George exhibited strong leadership skills within the fraternity and throughout his life.

George’s professional career included impactful roles at Inroads, the Boy Scouts, the Urban League, Ohio Boys Town, Berea Children’s Home and Cuyahoga Community College. He retired after 15 years of exemplary service with Cleveland Metropolitan School District as Director of Closing the Acheivement Gap Program. Additionally, he dedicated over 20 years as an Ohio-certified football and basketball referee and served as a Referee Assigner for the Municipal League of Cleveland.

George and his wife were foster and group home parents for 21 years at Bellefaire JCB through which they fostered 19 children.

When he began experiencing medical challenges he sorely missed working with children and spending time on the gold course. Known for his contagious smile, hearty laugh, generosity, and kind soul, George left an indelible mark on all who knew him. His family cherishes the countless memories shared about him and extends their gratitude to those who have reached out with stories celebrating George/Beaver’s life.

May his memory bring comfort to all who loved him.