Rev. George L. Zorn Obituary

George Luey Zorn, 92, a minister in the United Methodist Church, died September 13, 2007. The service will be Saturday, September 15, at 11 AM at First United Methodist Church in Albany, GA. Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Directors (229-883-4152) in Albany is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church of Albany, P.O. Box 448, Albany, GA 31702, or to the charity of your choice. The son of a tenant farmer, he grew up in rural Barbour County, Alabama. Though they were unable to do so themselves, his parents N.T. (Bud) and Lilly Zorn strongly encouraged him to seek higher education. He attended the University of Alabama where he was the commanding officer of the ROTC corps, and subsequently taught high school mathematics. Feeling a call to the ministry, he attended Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He married Sarah Elizabeth Austin of Dunwoody, Georgia, in June, 1941, a marriage interrupted only by her death 61 years later. Together they faced the challenges of World War II and the rigors of ministry in service of the Lord and Church they loved.During WWII he served under General Patton in France, as Deputy Chaplain of the 3rd Army. He would later share his memories of this close contact with the General in speeches to civic organizations. He completed 30 years active duty and reserve service, retiring with the rank of Colonel.George and Sarah Zorn served churches in Micanopy, FL, and Macon, Sylvester, Valdosta, Tifton, Waycross, Thomasville, and Albany, GA. Reverend Zorn held key leadership roles in the South Georgia Conference, and was twice elected to the General Conference of the United Methodist Church. His ministry was characterized by a Christ-like life and uncompromising diligence in service in God's vineyard. He was known for his wonderful prayers and sermons delivered without aid of notes, and recitation of many poems from his prodigious memory. He touched many lives in his long career that continued well beyond his retirement in 1979.As a husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, he was without parallel, and blessed his family with love, faith, encouragement, and inspiration that will be eternal.He was preceded in death by wife Sarah Zorn, sister Helen Zorn Purcell, brother Thad Zorn, and great granddaughter Ivy Austin Zorn. Survivors include three sons, Dr. George L. Zorn Jr. (Jane) of Birmingham, AL, Dr. Richard L. Zorn (Kathy), and Dr. Donald A. Zorn (Taska) of Tallahassee, FL. Ten grandchildren, Dr. George L. Zorn III (Jenni) of Kansas City, KS, Dr. Kristin K. Zorn of Pittsburgh, PA, Dr. Carolyn Zorn Wright (Hess) of Demopolis, AL, and LeighAnne Zorn Crosby (Jason), Kelly Austin Zorn, Brian Christopher Zorn, James Tyler Zorn (Cassie), Sarah Kathryn Zorn, Thomas Austin Zorn, and Susanna Taylor Zorn of Tallahassee; and eight great grandchildren, Tucker, Barrett, Sam, Zoe, and Briggs Zorn of Kansas City, Jane Wiley and George Austin Wright of Demopolis, AL, and Camryn Zorn of Tallahassee.