Dr. George Washington McLaughlin, a Soldier for Justice"

Dr. George W. McLaughlin slipped peacefully into eternal rest on Tuesday, August 30, 2016, at Hospice House of the Piedmont in Charlottesville, VA. George was born on February 14, 1932 to the late Luther and Maggie McLaughlin. He was also preceded in death by his nine beloved siblings.

He was a product of Raeford, North Carolina and Petersburg, Virginia Public Schools, having spent his early years in North Carolina. He graduated from Peabody High School in Petersburg and immediately entered the military, serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

After completing a Bachelor of Science Degree in education from St. Paul's College, Lawrenceville, Virginia, he taught in Orange County Public School System, Orange, Virginia for seven years. He resumed his educational studies resulting in the Masters of Education from the University of Virginia and later a Doctor of Education from the same institution. Dr. McLaughlin has done additional study at several institutions of higher learning from Virginia State College (now University), University of Maryland, Temple University, Bank Street College, University of Pennsylvania, University of Delaware and the University of Florida.

His experiences have been varied and extensive, having served the cause of mankind at each level of operation. Formerly he served as Dean of the School of Education, Delaware State College of Dover, Delaware and Director of Teacher Education Programs. He left Delaware to return to his "alma mater, "St. Paul's College, Lawrenceville, Virginia where he spent 20 years as chairman of the Department of Education, retiring in 1996.

In addition, he has served as pastor of Wayland Baptist Church for 26 years and pastor of Pleasant Plains Baptist Church for many years. He was instrumental in the new construction of Wayland Baptist Church of Louisa, Pleasant Plains Baptist Church of Gordonsville, and Rose Hill Baptist Church of Albemarle County.

Dr. McLaughlin was special assistant to the superintendent of Mecklenburg Public Schools from which he also retired.

Dr. McLaughlin was a member of numerous educational, social and civic organizations. He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and was an active contributor to St. Paul's College. As a member of the Louisa Democratic Party Committee, he encouraged and motivated residents of Louisa County to vote. He served as chairman of the local branch of the education committee of the NAACP and became a life member of this organization.

He was a member of Optimists International, the Association for the Preservation of Negro History, a life member of the Carter G. Woodson Foundation, a member of the National Education Association, the Louisa chapter of Promise Keepers, the Housing Foundation and served on the Welfare Committee, dealing with issues related to welfare reform. Furthermore, he was active in working with prospective parolees within the Brunswick Correctional Center in Lawrenceville, Virginia.

Dr. McLaughlin continued to advocate for education and social justice even as his health began to decline. Recently, he helped organize the march for Trayvon Martin which took place in Louisa County. Over the years, he has been presented numerous awards, certificates, and honors for his active work in education and community service. Dr. McLaughlin was a true solider for justice.

He was married to the former Sadie L. Thurston for over 59 years and they have one daughter, Avis McLaughlin Brown. He also had two sons from a prior marriage, Wesley (Beverley) and George McLaughlin, Jr. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, daughter, sons, and host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

A wake will be held at the Wayland Baptist Church on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 from 6 to 8 p.m. During this time, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, will conduct the "Omega Service" at 6:30 p.m.

The family requests that guests make 2 minutes remarks during this period.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at Wayland Baptist Church 1228 Oakland Road Louisa, VA 23093 with Pastor Leroy Mashore officiating.

The family invites guests to join them in the church fellowship hall following the Interment.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that you make a contribution in Dr. George McLaughlin 's name to Hospice of the Piedmont in Charlottesville, VA.