On the morning of April 17, 2022, George passed away from a 15-month long battle with lung cancer while in the care of his loving wife.
George was born in Chicago, Illinois, on November 11, 1959, to Rose Marie (Officer) Barnes and James Melvin Burt. He was the third of five children born to Rose Marie.
George spent most of his youth in Chicago, IL, with family trips to Alabama and Tennessee to visit relatives. He also spent a lot of time with his paternal grandparents, Willie, and Mahaila Burt. At the age of 14, George fell in love with the game of billiards, playing with his father, grandfather, and uncle.
He attended elementary and high school in Chicago. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in February of 1979 and was discharged in January of 1983 where he returned to Chicago before moving to Michigan.
While living in Michigan, George had three children: Danielle, Andre, and Nathaniel. The next few years the family moved to Alabama, and then California in 1983 (where he first joined the APA – American Pool players Association in October 1995). They moved back to Alabama in 1999 when his grandmother Mahaila fell ill, and he took time off from billiards.
George was employed at Crisis Services of North Alabama in Huntsville, AL., where he worked for 5 years. He also volunteered his time to work the hotlines for domestic/sexual abuse and suicide prevention.
He began playing pool again in 2001 while in Alabama. In March of 2005, George won a singles regional qualifying tournament allowing him to compete in Las Vegas to play 8 ball against pool players from across the country in the game of 8 ball. He placed 13th out of 250 players. This trip to Las Vegas is where he “officially” met his wife, Denise. She shared Montana with him, and he shared his love of billiards with her.
George has been to Las Vegas many more times over the years with his teams to compete. One of his fondest and proudest moments was in 2010, with his Masters 3-man team, known as “The Untouchables” that consisted of himself, Gene Stocke and Marcus Lynch. They placed 17th out of 256 teams (the highest placing of any masters team in local history). The Untouchables also won the prestigious “Sportsmanship” award.
George has traveled all over the United States to play in tournaments for billiards, his most favorite places being Las Vegas (NV), Tacoma(WA) and Deadwood(SD).
In March of 2006, George moved to East Helena Montana and married Denise, becoming the stepfather to her 4 daughters, Kelsey, Taylor, Jenna and MacKenzie. George would say from time to time that raising boys was easier; Denise would remind him that he knew it was a dangerous job when he accepted it. They had a witty banter with each other throughout their marriage, often providing entertainment to their friends.
George was employed at Morrison-Maierle as an accountant from May 2006 to December 2021 until he was no longer able to work.
While being heavily involved in the local billiards community, George and Denise volunteered their time each year from July through December (13 years) for the Annual Toys for Tots Pool Tournament at the Valley Hub, each year trying to outdo what had been raised the previous year to ensure local children had a warm holiday season.
George was preceded in death by his mother Rose Marie; his father James, His maternal grandparents Hattie & George Officer; and his paternal grandparents Mahaila & Willie Burt; and his daughter Danielle Price.
George is survived by his wife Denise; his sons, Andre (Britnay), and Nathaniel (Hyeryeong “Hailey”); his step daughters, Kelsey (Matt), Taylor (Toby), Jenna, and MacKenzie (Justin); his grandchildren, A.J., J.D., Lucy, Miah, Harper, Scarlett, Axel, and McKenna; his sister, Michelle (John) Williams; brothers, Geoffrey W Price, Malcom (Cheryl) Chapman, Eddie (Lori) Chapman; cousins Carolyn Avent and Cynthia Chapman, niece Kendra Chapman; nephew, Alex Chapman.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Sara Scott and the nursing staff at MSP Montana Cancer Center in Missoula; Dr. Andrew Cupino and staff at St. Peter’s Radiation Oncology; the staff at St. Peter’s Health Home Oxygen; and last but not least, St. Peter’s Hospice Care.
Please consider a donation to Toys for Tots this next holiday season.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Thursday April 28, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Lewis and Clark 59602
Reception
Following the service.
Thursday April 28, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena , Montana 59602
Social Gathering
Following the reception.
Thursday April 28, 2022
The Valley Hub
4960 N. Montana Ave.
Helena , Montana 59602
Burial
11:00 a.m.
Friday April 29, 2022
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Thursday April 28, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Lewis and Clark 59602
Reception
Following the service.
Thursday April 28, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena , Montana 59602
Social Gathering
Following the reception.
Thursday April 28, 2022
The Valley Hub
4960 N. Montana Ave.
Helena , Montana 59602
Burial
11:00 a.m.
Friday April 29, 2022
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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KEITH S BELDEN says
George, your gregarious nature and infectious smile will be missed!
Letha Ebelt says
It was a privilege to work with George. His kindness and smile will truly be missed in the hallways of Morrison-Maierle. Rest easy, my friend.
Lorraine Finstad says
Denise and Family,
George was my brother,friend,counselor,coach, and mentor. He will always be in my heart, memories and prayers. Please know we are here if you need anything at all. So sorry for your loss.
God Bless you and yours,
Lorraine Finstad
🙏😢🙏😢🙏😢
Melissa Robinson says
George was such as amazing coach, mentor and friend. His calm nature, contagious smile and soft soul touched all that he knew. I am very grateful to have known him and Denise. They had a relationship that inspired me and those who knew them. Rest in peace my friend.
Colleen Rahn says
Denise and Family,
What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss and grief.
God Bless,
Colleen Rahn
Mary Kostich says
George was a friendly, outgoing guy, usually being the first to initiate contact. Played on teams with him, always appreciating his skill & perserverance.
RIP, G, & know you will always get a perfect rack there.
Denise will always wear your love.
Mary K
Bill Genzoli says
George, when I arrived in Montana, it was a far throw to the inner cities atmosphere I spent a good portion of my life in.
When I met you, through pool, and was invited to join your team, it was a breath of fresh air. You gave Helena a little bit of flavor and a lot of Soul. Your Chi-Town swagger, your sense of style, and that damned little boy smirky smile of yours, made me feel more at home.
You could really rock those fedoras. My Prince Fedora, the one with the purple silk? Yeah, man. That one. I still have it. You gave it all the Funk that only you could bring. I’ll keep it in shape for you until we meet again.
Like a lot of things, you didn’t give in. You fought through it as long as you could. Denise never seemed to give in either. Your BBQs making me feel like family, we’re some of the very best experiences a guy could have had.
Montana mau be Big Sky Country, but because of you, my man, Helena was Big Swag Country. There are no goodbyes. SO, I’ll end this by saying, I’ll see you Next Rack.
PS: Denise, you’re a hell of a woman. He was lucky to have you. Thank you both for making me a small part of it.
Teresa and Steve Anderson says
Denise and family,
We are so sorry for your loss, George was an awesome person. He always had a hug to give and I will always remember him for that. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if you need anything!
Chris McMahon says
Denise,
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. George will be greatly missed by many. I’m sure he’s already running tables in Heaven.
jack shults says
Not only an amazing pool player and person in general, but the best friend I’ve ever had and the world is truly a darker place with him gone. Words can’t honestly explain the loss that anyone that knew him is suffering. I traveled with him to multiple pool tournaments he was always my favorite traveling buddy. I still hear him in my ear at the table and always will.. see you later Pimp….
Carissa Vogl says
George was such an inspiration not only on the pool table, but off as well. He was always so greeting to everyone with a smile, a big hug and his grace. He was so non-judgmental and accepting of everyone…he was everybody’s friend. George had such a gentle soul, always willing to help others, especially when it came to billiards. Being on his team many years ago, I was able to win a trip to Las Vegas, which will be an amazing memory that I’ll never forget! However having him as a mentor and friend will always be an even more amazing memory that I will cherish forever. George will never be forgotten and will remain in my heart and in the hearts of MANY forever.
Denise and family: my heart goes out to all of you! I’m sure George had such outpouring love and support from all of you during his final moments and he appreciated all of you and knew you loved him dearly. Denise, I cannot even begin to imagine your grief and pain. I wish I could give you a big hug, but please know I am from a distance! You are a strong woman and will get through this. May George RIP and may you all find comfort knowing he is no longer in any pain, and he is now watching over all of you…and playing all the pool in the WORLD up in heaven!
Ginger Jester says
George was an incredibly vibrant and kind person. An amazing pool player and mentor to many. I didn’t get the honor to know George for very long, but truly blessed to have crossed his path in this journey and call him a friend. His smile, kindness, spirit and presence (as well as his pool game) always lit up the room. He always had kind words, a warm hug and valuable advice or lesson (rarely did the opportunity to do anything but observe) when it came to solids and headbands my green field of dreams. It always brought joy to my life when I say Denise and George. My heart and prayers go out to Denise and family during this difficult time. I hope once the sorrow lifts slightly the joy of his journey to heaven will begin to fill the emptiness or grief in your hearts. He was a beautiful mind, soul and spirit. I am honored and blessed to have had the opportunity to have met him, learn from him and call him my friend. God speed my friend. Rest easy until we meet again.
Dan McGurran says
Denise I am so very sorry for your loss. George was one of those people who was instantly a friend for life. I know he always wanted to open his own pool hall. I have to believe he now has one. RIP George Price.