George R. Harpley

George Harpley, left us to go home to the Lord on April 29th, 2026. He spent his 80 years on this earth making it a more beautiful and loving place while spreading laughter with his very own sense of humor. He loved deeply and spent his life helping others. George was Vice President of the Akron Jaycees, served on staff for the Ohio Jaycees, Special Olympics, Summit County Association for Retarded Citizens, and Ways and Means Chair for Handicap Action. He served at Evangel Temple as Junior Church leader and at The Cathedral of Tomorrow as Children's Pastor.

Even his career choices made the world more beautiful. He retired from the city of Akron after 33 years of service working in the parks, planting flowers and trees, and spreading his joy to others. Once retired, he continued to spread joy planting beautiful gardens at Geauga Lake Amusement Park, the Akron Zoo, and Boulder Creek Golf Club.

One of his greatest joys in life was spending time with his grandchildren. He took them to do and see amazing things. He shared his love of flowers with them and absolutely adored them.

George is preceded in death by his wife Aurelia (Barnette), whom he loved dearly.

He is survived by his son Rob and daughter-in-law Tanya as well as their children Trinity and Levi for whom he did so much. George is also survived by his sisters Mary Vardeman and Donna Mathes as well as his brother Howard Harpley.

Family and friends will be received Saturday, May 9th from 11am to 1pm at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Rd. Akron, OH 44312. Funeral service will begin at 1pm with burial to follow at East Akron Cemetery.