George Joseph Deily

George Joseph Deily, 99, of Aiken, SC, passed away peacefully at his home on October 29, 2025. He was born on July 19, 1926, in Quakertown, PA, a son of the late Harvey Wesley Deily and Jennie Mae Crouthamel. He was also preceded in death by his older brother, Ralph Deily, who passed away shortly after birth in 1924.

George’s early life was marked by both challenge and resilience. Shortly after his birth, his father, Harvey, left the family and was never seen again. His mother later divorced Harvey and married John Heffendrager, who helped shape George’s upbringing. From the age of 12 until he graduated high school, George delivered newspapers, an early sign of the strong work ethic that would define his life. In school, he excelled in both academics and athletics, participating in basketball, football, baseball, and track. He graduated as valedictorian of the Sellersville-Perkasie (PA) High School Class of 1944. Like many young men of his generation, George was drafted at age 18 and proudly served in the United States Army from 1944-1946.

Following his service, George attended college on the GI Bill, earning a degree in Physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY, in February 1951. During his college years, he married Beatrice Leister of Sumneytown, PA, whom he had first met years earlier on a “blind date.” They married on December 26, 1948, and went on to raise three children together.

After graduating, George began his professional career at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, IL, before accepting a position with the DuPont Company. In May 1953, he moved his family to Aiken, SC, where he worked as a physicist at the Savannah River Plant until his retirement in 1987. George and his wife, Beatrice, were devoted members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, formerly located on Laurens Street. His life centered deeply around his family, a truth beautifully summarized by his grandson, Jace Deily, who wrote in a recent tribute, “He was a great man who believed that family was the most important thing in life.”

George lived a life defined by integrity, humility, and perseverance. He overcame early hardships and built a meaningful, fulfilling life for himself and his loved ones. Known for his intelligence, quick wit, gentle spirit, and unwavering encouragement, he inspired others to strive for their best. Family time brought him his greatest joy. Weekends were filled with bike rides, walks in Hitchcock Woods, and home projects. George cherished family vacations and frequent trips to Pennsylvania, where many of his and Bea’s relatives lived.

George is survived by his children, Kevin Mark Deily (Debra James) of Aiken, SC, Karen Deily Tannenbaum (Mike) of Oneonta, NY, and Karl Ralph Deily (Cindy Clark) of Greenville, SC; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Beatrice Leister Deily, and a brother, Ralph Deily.

The memorial service to celebrate George’s life will be announced at a later date by Milton Shealy Funeral Home, Aiken Chapel. A private graveside service with military honors will be held at Aiken Memorial Gardens, with Pastor Jeff Erbskorn officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 961 Trail Ridge Rd, Aiken, SC 29803, or to a charity of one's choice.

George will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.

“May your hopes be bigger than your fears. May your actions speak as loud as your words. May your life reflect your heart and soul. May you rest without regrets.”